As social issues become a major concern in fisheries, particularly regarding cases of labour rights violations and human rights abuses found at different stages of the fisheries value chain, the Vigo Dialogue 2020 continues to focus on promoting human and labour rights along the fish value chains in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
This year’s sessions will place a particular emphasis on social problems associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2020 Vigo Dialogue aims to raise awareness of the situation faced by fish workers and the industry due to the pandemic. In addition, the Dialogue will allow FAO to continue its inclusive collaboration with relevant stakeholders, by providing a clear outline of the major challenges on social issues in fish value chains, including gaps and key elements, to support the ongoing activities associated with FAO’s mandate on social responsibility.
The current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a public health crisis associated with an ongoing economic one linked with different measures taken by countries to contain the rate of infection, such as home confinement, travel bans and business closures, among others.
During the pandemic, fish supply chains have been disrupted or deeply altered, causing impacts not only in the demand, market access or logistics but also generating multi-faceted consequences on fish workers, small-scale fishers, fish farmers, fish companies, restaurants, retailers, among others. These impacts were global, causing changes in employment and business orientation in both developing and developed countries.
As a result, governments, the industry, academia, association of small producers, among others, are trying to address current weaknesses, seeking remedies and solutions on how to cope with the current crisis. Efforts are being made to enhance the sector despite the difficulty of the current situation that the world is facing.
Institutionally, the FAO Sub-Committee on Fish Trade (COFI:FT) has a specific mandate to promote social sustainability in fisheries value chains, mainly the recognition and protection of human and labour rights in national and international value chains. Sessions of this Sub-Committee, with the participation of all FAO Member countries, take place every two years.
This year Dialogue will be virtual and replicated in different time zones to allow inclusive participation around the globe.
It is mandatory to register in advance to participate in any of the Dialogues.
Please click on the below links to register:
• Dialogue A (event in English): focused in Oceania, Asia and Africa time zones
• Agenda Dialogue A
• Dialogue B (event in English): focused in Europe, North America and Latin America time zones
• Agenda Dialogue B
• Dialogue C (event in Spanish): focused in Europe, North America and Latin America time zones
• Agenda Dialogue C
