Response to Maritime Labour Convention.
Response of Cardinal Stephen Fumio
Hamao, then President of the Pontifical Council for Migrants
& Itinerant People, to the adoption of the Maritime Labour
Convention.
On Thursday 23rd February the maritime session of the
International Labour Conference of ILO adopted a new
comprehensive Maritime Labour Convention. Our Pontifical
Council warmly welcomes this new instrument for the
protection of seafarers and their families. This Convention
will make a great difference to the life of the 1.2 million
seafarers and their families, as it will ensure that the
health, safety, working conditions and general welfare of
seafarers are given primary importance.
We congratulate all those who have worked tirelessly for
the success of this Conference. We would like also to
underline the spirit of dialogue and collaboration which has
reigned during the Conference and which has made this
fruitful outcome possible.
In his concluding speech, the ILO Director General, Mr.
Juan Somavia, recognised the importance and paid homage to
religious welfare organisations and other non-governmental
organisations working with seafarers. He also made special
mention of the delegation of the Holy See, of ICMA, of the
role of Christian organisations and of their positive
contribution within the maritime industry.
At our XXI AOS World Congress in Rio de Janeiro (2002) we
expressed the wish that the “globalised maritime industry be
given a humane face”. We believe that this vote is a step in
that direction. To make it become a reality, we must
encourage and urge all the member States who have voted this
Convention to ensure that it is now ratified and properly
implemented worldwide.
As we rejoice and give thanks for this historical event,
we pray that it will inaugurate a new era for the People of
the Sea, where the dignity of each one will be recognised
and respected. |