Access to Remedy in the European Union in Case of Breaches of Human Rights at Sea by Private Actors

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this article is to address the specific means of access to remedy that individuals have in the European Union (EU) in case of breaches of human rights at sea by private actors. Currently, the EU is one of the most important international fisheries actors as well as one of the greatest human rights defenders globally. The EU is home of many fisheries companies, whose activities are done both into the EU waters and in the waters beyond national jurisdiction of its States, and certainly have a direct impact on the promotion and protection of human rights. According to the International Labor Organization, some of the worst human rights violations occur on the EU’s board fishing vessels. Although states are mostly responsible for ensuring respect for human rights, the EU shares this responsibility with its Member States in cases of human rights affecting areas where it has competences.