MAST is a new initiative aimed at Southeast Asia’s seafood business to eliminate human trafficking and all other forms of forced labor…
This article explains that it was started by human rights and labor advocate Sompong Srakaew who says, “MAST will continue the work of reforming Thai fisheries to eliminate human trafficking and all other forms of forced labor, as well as illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing practices. We will work together with civil society, industry, and governments to help put an end to these abuses.”
Mr. Sompong’s LPN, founded in 2004, has advocated for migrant worker rights, conducted raids to free migrant workers in forced labor situations, and helped strengthen The Kingdom of Thailand’s human trafficking laws. As LPN’s founder, Mr. Sompong was recognized by the U.S. State Department with a Trafficking in Persons Hero Award in 2008 for his efforts to combat modern day slavery and improve the lives of migrant workers in Thailand.
Two major goals include a Thai fishermen;s union as well as a center at the ports that offer shelter and food and healthcare. It should serve as a watchdog as well as increase public awareness of the deplorable working conditions of migrant workers.
(Captions following photos below come directly from the article.) To read the entire article, click on the link below.
The overgrown graves of fishermen from Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar cover the forest floor of Benjina Island, Indonesia. (2014)
A group of migrant workers at an immigration detention facility on Ambon Island, Indonesia. (2014)
The graves of unknown Thai fishermen on Ambon Island, Indonesia. (2014)
On Ambon Island, Indonesia, Samak Tubtanee, head of the Human Trafficking Office at the LPN, works to return forced laborers to their homes. (2014)
A group of workers being held in a private jail on Ambon Island, Indonesia. Fearing that this photo could be his last, one worker said, “Take my picture and tell my family, I am here and I am still alive.” These workers have since been rescued and retuned home, but their government only identified two of them as victims of human trafficking. (2014)
The first group of Thai and Burmese workers rescued from Ambon Island, Indonesia by the LPN. The group was provided with food and basic necessities until their safe return home. (2014)
MAST leaders Sompong Srakaew and Dornnapha Sukkree meet with U.S. Department of Labor officials in Washington. (2016)
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