It has submitted to the International Labor Organization (ILO) a Declaration of Acceptance of the 2016 Amendments to the Maritime Labor Convention Law, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006).
The 2016 amendments aim to eliminate harassment and intimidation on board ships, using a reference Guide to eliminating harassment and bullying on board shipsPublished jointly by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).
In presenting the Declaration of Acceptance, Ambassador Rui Maceira, Permanent Representative of Portugal in Geneva, declared that “Portugal attaches great importance to the ratification, implementation and promotion of all ILO normative instruments. We believe that the implementation of the 2016 amendments to the MLC Act 2006 will help promote decent work In a sector of critical importance to our country and to the smooth operation of supply chains around the world.
Welcomed by Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labor Organization, announced the acceptance and stressed Portugal’s strong commitment to promoting social justice and protecting the living and working conditions of seafarers.
The 2016 amendments to the 2006 MLC will enter into force for Portugal on 18 April 2024.
Harassment and intimidation, including sexual assault on board ships, remain a major concern to the maritime community. The ILO-International Maritime Organization (IMO) Tripartite Working Group will meet in February 2024 to discuss new measures to ensure seafarers in general, and women in particular, feel safe on board.
For more information, please see the MLC, 2006 webpage.
