Focus Taiwan
Date: 11/19/2020
By: Chiang Yi-ching

Taipei, Nov. 19 (CNA) Greenpeace and 33 other human rights, environmental and labor organizations from around the world on Thursday called on Taiwan's government to initiate reforms to address the "persistent and systemic issues of forced labor" on Taiwan's distant water fishing (DWF) fleets.

The demand comes as fish caught on Taiwan-registered vessels were classified as products of forced labor for the first time this year by the U.S. State Department in October.

This is further indication that reforms are needed, the coalition said in a statement.

"We call on the Taiwanese government to initiate structural reforms, and ensure fishing vessel owners and seafood traders adhere to all relevant international human rights, labor, and environmental standards," said Greenpeace senior adviser Andy Shen, who added that businesses around the world that source from Taiwanese fishing vessels are watching closely to see how the government in Taiwan responds.    [FULL  STORY]