Manila Takes Lead with Declaration to Safeguard Seafarers

This week, Manila became the global stage for a significant maritime milestone. The Philippines hosted the International Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well‑Being, held from September 1st to 3rd, 2025, under the inspiring theme “No One Left Adrift: Seafarers at the Crosscurrents of Commerce, Conflict, and Change.”  

The event brought together roughly 200 senior officials, industry leaders, civil society representatives, and international organizations from over 30 countries.

A Historic Declaration: Setting New Standards for Crew Welfare

At the close of the conference, the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety, and Well‑Being was formally adopted. This landmark declaration encompasses eight core pledges, designed to fortify seafarers’ protections and elevate their working conditions amid evolving global threats - ranging from pandemics to geopolitical conflicts. 

Philippine UN representative Carlos Sorreta underscored the forward-thinking nature of the declaration, saying: 

“The Manila declaration is forward looking. It anticipates the reality of an evolving maritime landscape. It prepares all of us to meet the demands of a new era with fairness, efficiency and sustainability.” 

Key Commitments at a Glance

The Manila Declaration lays out concrete actions including: 

• Full enforcement of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), ensuring fair treatment and onboard standards for seafarers 

• Assurance of human rights at sea at all times 

• Protection during crises, allowing seafarers to refuse dangerous voyages without reprisal 

• Corporate human rights due diligence for transparency and accountability 

• Empowerment of women, with emphasis on inclusivity and equal opportunities 

• Support for change management, addressing digitalization and decarbonization impact 

• Improved maritime education, through global cooperation in training programs  

A Declaration Rooted in Ongoing Advocacy

This declaration builds upon a series of progressive milestones: 

1. UN Human Rights Council Resolution 56/18 (July 2024): The Philippines successfully championed the first-ever UN resolution focused on seafarers’ human rights, spotlighting their challenges and inherent dignity. 
2. Preparation and International Dialogue: In June 2025, a side event in Geneva explored the foundations of the declaration, setting the stage for Manila’s conference. 
3. Conference Organization and Endorsement: The Manila forum, co-hosted by DFA, MARINA, DMW, and DOLE, delivered the final text for global endorsement by governments and maritime stakeholders. 

A Declaration with growing Support

As of now, ten countries have officially endorsed the Manila Declaration: Bangladesh, Germany, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, Spain, and the United Kingdom. 

Why This Matters

Seafarers power our global supply chains, yet their workplace often places them in isolated, perilous conditions - making solid protections essential. The Manila Declaration is a significant step toward reinforcing those protections. It reaffirms the international maritime community’s commitment to fair practices, especially amid shifting technologies, environmental challenges, and geopolitical disruptions. 

Are You Looking for Your Next Seafarer Job?

At Martide we only work with reputable and known Crew Managers and Manning Agents, including Martide Manning which is based in Riga, Latvia and SeaCrest Maritime Management , which is located in Manila, Philippines. Other high quality industry employers also use Martide’s website to post their maritime job vacancies. 

If you’re looking for your next contract at sea, take a look at Martide’s seafarer jobs board which is updated on a daily basis and features everything from Chief Officer jobs to Ordinary Seaman jobs and from jobs on general cargo ships to jobs on oil / chemical tankers. And everything in between!  

To apply for any of the jobs on our website (and seafarer job app) you just need to create a Martide account. It’s free (we will never charge you any money – that’s a promise), and it’s quick and easy to do - and then you can apply for as many of our maritime jobs as you like.