Rationale 3.4
Discrimination is a pervasive problem that affects millions of people globally. It causes negative impacts for individuals at home, in the workplace, or within wider society which can perpetuate poverty, stifle development, productivity and competitiveness, and, on a larger scale, instigate political instability. To promote a peaceful, just, and effective society, discrimination must be addressed in all its forms – visible and invisible.
This Criterion focuses on the prevention of discrimination on ASC-certified farms.
Intent – The aquaculture industry prevents discrimination and ensures equal opportunity for all employees.
Criterion 3.4 – Discrimination and Harassment
Indicators 3.3
Indicators
Description
3.3.1
3.3.2
Applicable to
3.3.3
3.3.4
3.3.5
3.3.6
3.3.7
3.3.8
Applicable to
3.3.9
Applicable to
3.3.10
3.3.11
Applicable to
3.3.12
Applicable to
3.3.13
Applicable to
3.3.14
3.3.15
3.3.16
3.3.17
Rationale 3.3
All children have the right to be protected from work that is dangerous or harmful to their health, development or education.6969International Labour Organization (ILO). (1999). Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182). Geneva, Switzerland: ILO. 7070International Labour Organization (ILO). (1973). Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138). Geneva, Switzerland: ILO. Employment and exploitation of children and young workers occurs globally across many sectors and is driven by economic and cultural pressures on the poorest, most vulnerable people.7171International Labour Office and United Nations Children’s Fund. (2021). Child labour: Global estimates 2020, trends and the road forward. New York, USA: ILO and UNICEF. However, limited and non-harmful forms of participation in the workforce can contribute to a child’s development in some contexts, providing them with skills for their adult life and supporting the welfare of their families.
More than two-thirds of global child labour is attributed to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture, making it a priority issue to address.7272FAO (2021) Tackling child labour in fisheries and aquaculture. Background Paper. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb7159en
This Criterion focuses on the prevention of child labour and the provision of safe working conditions for young employees on ASC-certified farms. Rather than disengaging from any abuses identified, as part of ASC’s approach to respect human rights and work on improvements in aquaculture, this Criterion requires that effective remediation is conducted.
Intent – The aquaculture industry does not engage in the use of child labour and provides effective remediation for affected individuals.
Criterion 3.3 – Child Labour
Indicators 3.2
Indicators
Description
3.2.1
Applicable to
3.2.2
Applicable to
3.2.3
Applicable to
3.2.4
Applicable to
3.2.5
Applicable to
3.2.6
Applicable to
3.2.7
Applicable to
3.2.8
3.2.9
Applicable to
3.2.10
3.2.11
Applicable to
3.2.12
3.2.13
3.2.14
Applicable to
Rationale 3.2
According to recent estimates, 28 million people are victims of human trafficking, debt bondage, and more subtle forms of forced labour that force employees to remain in their jobs against their will through other means of threat.6767Walk Free. (2023). The Global Slavery Index 2023. Perth, Australia: Minderoo Foundation.
These practices persist globally across many industries, including seafood production and processing This may take the form of threats or coercion, barring access to legal protections, withholding of identification by employers or high recruitment fees to secure jobs. Risk of some of these practices may be particularly high due to the presence of migrant worker populations.
This Criterion focuses on the prevention of all forms of forced labour by ASC-certified farms, during recruitment and employment. Rather than disengaging from any abuses identified, as part of ASC’s approach to respect human rights and work on improvements in aquaculture, this Criterion requires that effective remediation is conducted.
Intent – The aquaculture industry does not engage in the use of forced labour and provides effective remediation for affected individuals.
Criterion 3.2 – Forced Labour
Indicators 3.1
Indicators
Description
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
Applicable to
3.1.4
Applicable to
3.1.5
Applicable to
Rationale 3.1
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a list of thirty rights and freedoms that belong to every human being.6666United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. United Nations General Assembly. A critical first step is employers, employees and neighbouring communities being aware of, and understanding, these rights in order to access them.
Aquaculture employees and people living in communities where aquaculture occurs need to be able to access all of these rights – from the right to a safe and healthy environment to freedom from forced and compulsory labour. Aquaculture producers share a responsibility to ensure that their employees and surrounding communities are aware of their rights so that the wellbeing of all these groups can be preserved and improved.
This Criterion focuses on the development and implementation of a human rights policy so that ASC-certified farms set out their intentions, with employees and communities being aware of – and able to advocate for – their rights and improve their working conditions and wellbeing.
Intent – The aquaculture industry respects and promotes the human rights of all employees and surrounding communities.