Bangkok – IOM X - a joint initiative between IOM and USAID - and the ILO Ship to Shore Rights Project - funded by the European Union - today premiered the video, Real Life of Fishers, which provides migrant workers in the Thai fishing sector with information on their rights and recourse. 

The 11-minute animated video, available in Khmer, Myanmar and Thai, is aimed at the approximately 60,000 migrant workers in the Thai fishing industry, encouraging informed migration. 

The video includes: information migrants need before deciding to work in the fishing sector and signing a contract; basic information for migrants on work contracts, minimum wage and payment, equipment on board, medical care and the responsibilities of fisher vessel owners; and how to connect with unions, civil society organizations and government officials for help with violations. 

According to ILO’s March 2018 Ship to Shore Rights baseline survey on working conditions in Thai fishing and seafood processing, only 26 per cent of workers who experienced labour violations sought help. Bringing worker questions and complaints to the attention of authorities for action is a key goal for the project partners. 

Real Life of Fishers will be disseminated through social media and education campaigns by ILO and IOM partners in Thailand, as well as the Royal Thai Government’s Ministry of Labour. 

For more information please contact Mia Barrett at IOM X in Bangkok. Tel. +66 84 705 2114, Email: mbarrett@iom.int