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Sunday, 10/31, 2:15pm (Session XXVII) Director/Producer: Environmental Justice Foundation
In the year that the International Maritime Organization has designated "The Year of the Seafarer," a new film by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) All At Sea reveals extensive human rights abuses on board illegal fishing vessels. Worth up to $23.5 billion annually and accounting for up to 31% of the global catch, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing vessels are the seas' modern day pirates. Plundering fish stocks, devastating marine habitats, and depleting vital food sources for coastal communities to supply European and world markets, these vessels steal fish with impunity, exploiting legal loopholes that allow them to avoid adhering to global fisheries laws. On board, crew members face some of the worst working conditions on the planet. This film documents investigations into life on board these "pirate" fishing vessels, uncovering evidence of appalling working conditions, including retention of pay, a lack of proper employment contracts if any, poor to non-existent safety equipment, atrocious hygiene conditions, and inadequate food and accommodation standards, with crews working under the constant threat of physical violence, and in extreme cases murder. The "pirate" fishing industry is supplying world fish markets with catches that hold untold stories of suffering and devastation.
The Environmental Justice Foundation is a UK-based environmental and human rights charity that uses film to raise awareness and expose the results of investigations on human rights abuses and environmental damage. EJF makes a direct link between the need for environmental security and the defense of basic human rights. Working with grassroots organizations, EJF takes the concerns of those people who suffer the most from the consequences of environmental abuse to decision-makers—creating real change in industry practices to protect people and planet.
Environmental Justice Foundation |
©2010 United Nations Association Film Festival (UNAFF) |
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