Fishing for men : trafficking and slavery on the high seas

Abstract

This is what modern day slavery looks like – men from impoverished Southeast Asian countries are promised lucrative jobs on the high seas, but they end up working on deep-sea fishing vessels. Human rights abuses are rife on these boats – which catch high-value artisanal fish such as bluefin tuna and swordfish – some of which end up on Singapore’s dinner plates. These long-haul boats can remain at sea for three years, and the men are often subject to long working hours, physical abuse, and a lack of proper medical attention and nutrition. These men, from countries such as Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam, are trafficked onto boats that berth in Singapore and other ports overseas, and Singapore agencies are involved in their deployment. Combatting this cross-border problem in Singapore is difficult because trafficking is not outlawed in the country.