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Research article2020Peer reviewedOpen access

Private governance of human and labor rights in seafood supply chains - The case of the modern slavery crisis in Thailand

Wilhelm, Miriam; Kadfak, Alin; Bhakoo, Vikram; Skattang, Kate

Abstract

A growing recognition of human rights in business has shed light on labor violations and abusive practices that prevail in many global supply chains. The recent 'modern slavery' crisis in the Thai fishing industry not only brings the question of government's responsibility to the fore but also increasingly highlights the role of private governance in global supply chains. This paper provides an updated analysis on the state of labor rights protection in the Thai fishing industry by analyzing responses from private business and civil society to the modern slavery scandal. We focus on three responses in particular: ethical recruitment policies, worker grievance mechanisms and worker associations. We analyse the effectiveness of these responses and delineate the potential of private governance as well as the limits that need to be overcome to ensure the protection of human and labor rights in global seafood supply chains.

Keywords

Fisheries; Thailand; Human and labor rights; Private governance; Supply chains

Published in

Marine Policy
2020, Volume: 115, article number: 103833
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD

    Sustainable Development Goals

    Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
    Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

    UKÄ Subject classification

    Globalization Studies
    Economics

    Publication identifier

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2020.103833

    Permanent link to this page (URI)

    https://res.slu.se/id/publ/105708