The Potential Role of Regional Fisheries Management Organizations in Addressing International Human Rights Violations in Fisheries in Southeast Asia

Among diverse institutions and frameworks seeking to address human rights and labour violations in fisheries in Southeast Asia (and elsewhere), some important steps have been taken by regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs). This article seeks to consider current developments in RFMOs, focusing on the development of a binding Conservation and Management Measure in the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission. It addresses the scope of powers of RFMOs to take action to protect fishers. The content of the new Conservation and Management Measure is examined, reflecting on key concerns and advances in relation to the scope of applicability of the measure and the rights protected. The engagement of RFMOs on this issue holds considerable promise, but the article demonstrates that a number of challenges must still be resolved.