Seafarers who have been detained in the performance of their professional duties must be treated fairly and with dignity, with full respect for their human rights. This was underlined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) at an event focused on the protection of seafarers against their unjust held on Monday in London at the headquarters of the of the IMO.

Last April, the IMO Legal Committee adopted the "Guidelines on the fair treatment of seafarers detained in alleged crimes" that have been defined by the IMO and and dealing with issues related to due process, protection from arbitrary detention, coercion or intimidation, and to the guarantee that wages, medical care and repatriation rights continue to be insured during any proceedings legal. They also aim to improve coordination between nations, including port States, flag States, States, of which the seafarer is a national, and between shipowners and seafarers.

On Monday, the four organizations urged a commitment to ensure due process and fair treatment for seafarers, to allow them to be repatriated quickly by their families, in accordance with the guidelines IMO/ILO, recognising that the unjust criminalisation of seafarers continues to be a major concern for seafarers and for the sector in general.

IMO, ILO, ICS and ITF highlighted the need for continue to join forces to ensure that good practices on the implementation of the IMO/ILO guidelines are shared and that prosecutors and judges are aware of the particularities seafarers' work, which are essential to ensure their fair treatment. In particular, recognising that many systems may not have the necessary skills to handling maritime cases quickly and fairly, the four organisations have encouraged the training of authorities judicial proceedings in the field of maritime law and seafarers' rights. The need for greater coordination between States and the maritime sector to enable consistent implementation of legal safeguards and to support the rapid implementation of the release and repatriation of detained seafarers. In addition, invite insurance companies, including P&I Clubs, to provide legal support and welfare coverage of seafarers in cases of unfair treatment.