CASE OVERVIEW
Background Information
Migrant fishers are suffering severe exploitation on Korean fishing vessels. They are subjected to physical, verbal and sexual violence. Migrant fishers are unable to leave these situations because it would mean forfeiting large deposits paid at home to secure employment and the recruitment fees they paid. They are thus compelled to remain in conditions of forced labor, exploitation, and human trafficking.
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honour and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.
OUR ACTION
KTNC Watch visited Indonesia in 2011 and interviewed workers who suffered exploitation and physical violence on Korean fishing vessels. KTNC Watch also invited volunteers and victims to Korea to participate in consultations between ship owners and workers. The situation for migrant fishers on Korean vessels was thus revealed and legal action was taken against the ship owners on behalf of the victims.