The Anglo Northern Ireland Fish Producers Organisation (ANIFPO) and the Northern Ireland Fish Producers’ Organisation (NIFPO) based in Kilkeel Harbour, Northern Ireland, have instructed the independent human rights service provider, Human Rights at Sea International (HRASi), to conduct internal due diligence governance reviews on respective social welfare activities, associated policies and internal protocols.
This is part of a deliberate internal governance review to identify areas of concern, areas for improvement, and to immediately act on recommendations for underpinning improved domestic and migrant crew working conditions and welfare standards.
The review process is part of the renewed drive for increased transparency and accountability by both Producer Organisations and their members to support longer-term fishing industry and local community sustainability.
Led by the founder and former CEO of the UN accredited charity, Human Rights at Sea, Mr. David Hammond, a trained English criminal barrister, former prosecution counsel and military seafarer; HRAS International is a socially purposed consultancy supporting states, businesses and third sector organisations to raise and exceed their human rights standards, enhance individual protections and reduce inherent risk.
Harry Wick, CEO, NIFPO said; ““NIFPO wants our members, clients and buyers to have a strong level of reassurance that we’re applying appropriate ethical welfare standards across the services we provide. HRAS International is a leading independent reviewer of welfare standards at sea, so it’s natural that the next forward step on our journey is to invite them to run the rule over our internal practices and procedures to ensure we’re getting it right.”
Brian Chambers, CEO, ANIFPO said; “ANIFPO has always strived to enhance the welfare of all our fishermen, to ensure our continued improvement and transparency we have asked HRAS International to conduct a professional review of our social welfare policies.”