Combating Forced Labour in Fisheries Through Trade Restrictions: First Steps and Their Consistency with International Law
Abstract
The elimination of all forms of forced labour is considered a “fundamental right at work” of universal application. Fisheries is a well-documented and high-risk sector for the use of forced labour and arguably requires prioritization in international efforts to address this issue. What role can and do trade restrictive measures play in combating forced labour in fisheries, and are these measures consistent with international law? In answering these questions, this article demonstrates that import restrictions targeting forced labour products and states which facilitate the use of forced labour in fisheries are being employed in practice and are largely consistent with international law. Furthermore, these restrictions supplement and strengthen the existing international fisheries, trade and labour laws combating forced labour at sea.
Fields of Study & Subjects
International Maritime Law Issues
Coastal and Marine Management
World Trade Organization Law
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Ocean Development & International Law
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 57
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 190–227
- Publication date
- 2 January 2026
- Language
- EN