Human Rights at Sea Charity Closes Due to Funding Issues, New Initiative Planned

Human Rights at Sea, a charity dedicated to advocating for the rights of seafarers, has ceased operations due to a lack of funding. Founded in 2014 by David Hammond, the organization aimed to ensure that human rights were upheld at sea just as they are on land. It focused on issues such as seafarer deaths, crew abandonment, and sexual abuse on ships. One of its key achievements was the creation of the Geneva Declaration of Human Rights at Sea, providing practical guidance to states on detecting and preventing abuses at sea.

Despite its impactful work, Human Rights at Sea relied on charitable donations and pro-bono legal support to sustain its operations. Unfortunately, a sustainable funding model could not be secured, leading to the charity’s closure. Hammond, who stepped down in December 2023, plans to establish a subsidiary called Human Rights at Sea International. This new entity will continue the mission of supporting initiatives and funding causes that promote human rights protections at sea.

The closure of Human Rights at Sea comes at a critical time, with abandonment cases rising, seafarers facing increased risks due to geopolitical disputes, and the maritime industry grappling with a recruitment crisis. The shift towards a consultancy model for the subsidiary reflects a strategic move towards more behind-the-scenes investigations of abuses in addition to public advocacy efforts. Despite the challenges faced by the charity, Hammond remains committed to advancing the cause of seafarer rights and protecting human rights at sea.

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