Seafarer Welfare: The Manila Declaration

International conference on seafarers’ human rights, safety and well-being

At the conference, held 1–2 September 2025 in Manila, Philippines, representatives from over 30 countries and 15 NGOs gathered to discuss how to improve and enhance seafarer welfare. Hosted by the Government of the Philippines, the centrepiece outcome is the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-Being.

The overall theme of the conference was: ‘No one left adrift – seafarers at the cross currents of commerce, conflict and change.’ This theme was pursued through seminars on: upholding human rights; protecting seafarers in crisis situations; promoting gender equality and inclusivity; the place of seafarers in the ‘just transition’ of maritime decarbonisation. The Nautical Institute was honoured to be represented by Captain Chris O’Flaherty AFNI  who spoke both on the panel regarding the protection of seafarers in crisis situations and at a side event on maritime search and rescue in the Philippines region.

The primary outcome of the conference is a new, two-page, declaration which will be known as ‘The Manila Declaration’. As well as affirming that seafarers are key workers, it asks signatories to cooperate in respect of 8 key commitments to:

• Respect, protect, and promote the human rights and fundamental freedoms of seafarers
• Fully enforce the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended, in order to ensure safe and decent living and working conditions for all seafarers
• Improve emergency preparedness and response in times of crises, particularly during global public health emergencies, disasters, conflicts, and unlawful acts against the safety of maritime navigation
• Foster an enabling environment that respects the right of seafarers to earn their living by work they freely choose or accept
• Ensure that the global maritime industry uphold the principle of corporate responsibility by mainstreaming of processes that promote human rights
• Intensify efforts to promote gender equality and inclusivity to unlock the benefits of diversity in human capital for a just and more dynamic maritime industry
• Address new realities presented by technological advancements such as, automation, digitalization, and decarbonization, while ensuring the health and safety of seafarers; equip seafarers with the skills and competencies required by new technologies; and create opportunities for them to transition to new career pathways
• Promote technical cooperation and capacity-building in maritime education and training through North-South, South-South, and triangular cooperation arrangements, as relevant

In unveiling this declaration, Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Carlos Sorreta said "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."

This declaration has now been signed by 10 Flag States including Bangladesh, Germany, Malaysia, Myanmar, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, Spain and the United Kingdom.

The Nautical Institute welcomes this declaration and congratulates the government of the Philippines on achieving its negotiation and we are delighted to have been part of the conference at which it was launched.