Chinese Fishing Vessels Used North Korean Crews, Violating UN Bans and Subjecting Workers to Abuse

A new report by the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) reveals that a fleet of Chinese fishing vessels used North Korean crews between 2019 and 2024, in violation of UN bans. The report, based on interviews with Indonesian and Filipino crew members, paints a disturbing picture of forced labor and human rights abuses.

The report identifies the presence of North Koreans on 12 Chinese tuna long-liners operating in the southwest Indian Ocean. These North Korean workers were allegedly subjected to various forms of abuse, including being trapped at sea for years, not being allowed to use mobile phones or leave vessels during port visits, and being forced to work for as many as 10 years without ever stepping foot on land.

The EJF estimates that the use of North Korean crews on these Chinese vessels constitutes forced labor on a massive scale, exceeding much of what is witnessed in the global fishing industry. The report also highlights the potential for these North Korean workers to be involved in the production of goods that enter supply chains in the UK and the European Union.

This revelation raises serious concerns about China's compliance with UN sanctions on North Korea. Despite the 2017 UN Security Council resolutions requiring member states to repatriate all North Korean workers by the end of 2019, China appears to have continued using North Korean crews on its fishing vessels. This raises questions about China's commitment to upholding international law and its role in supporting North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

The EJF report calls for urgent action to address this issue. It urges governments to investigate and take action against companies involved in the use of North Korean forced labor, and to strengthen enforcement of UN sanctions on North Korea. The report also calls for greater transparency and accountability in the global fishing industry to prevent further human rights abuses.