Every year on June 25, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) marks the International Day of Seafarers. This year’s theme is “My Harassment-Free Ship” – a call for respect, safety and a working environment free from harassment or discrimination.
President of the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR), Gaby Bornheim praises the many areas of the industry in which these values are already practiced – but also sees a need to catch up.
“Seafarers do an extraordinary job. Without them, neither global trade nor the supply of raw materials, commodities or energy to the world would be conceivable,” said Gaby Bornheim. “This service deserves respect, but also requires framework conditions that guarantee fairness, safety and dignity.”
According to the VDR, with this year’s “My Harassment-Free Ship“ campaign, the IMO is highlighting a less visible but extremely important issue: bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment. Studies show that such incidents can occur not only in industrial companies on land, but unfortunately also on board merchant ships. – Hansa.newsglobal
