Summary

The Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, Marcos Orellana, visited the International Maritime Organization (IMO) from 16 to 20 January 2023 and held online sessions with IMO officials between 7 and 18 December 2020. The work of IMO has always been relevant to the field of human rights, considering the close connection between shipping and the environment and human beings. For example, oil and toxic spills harm coastal communities; air emissions from vessels adversely affect port cities and contribute to climate change; seafarers may face hazardous working conditions and forced labour; and the transport of hazardous cargo poses risks to seafarers and the environment. Shipping thus impacts on the enjoyment of a range of human rights. IMO, as a public regulator, has yet to embrace an explicit human rights-based approach to its work.