In February, Masifundise and the Legal Resources Centre (LRC) hosted a workshop for small-scale fishers with the focus of empowering these communities with the legal knowledge and tools, aimed at safeguarding them against human rights violations. The time was also used for an assessment of the various cases for the Fisher Peoples Tribunal that will take place in August this year.
During the workshop, representatives from coastal and inland fishing communities in South Africa contributed invaluable perspectives on the multifaceted challenges confronting small-scale fishers. These include threats posed by blue economy initiatives, including coastal mining and oil and gas exploration. Furthermore, participants addressed the challenges of violence, conservation efforts, and the criminalization and harassment of small-scale fishers in pursuit of their livelihood activities. Additionally, the non-recognition of customary rights, failures in SSF policy implementation, and the specific experiences of women in the sector.
“The session by the LRC on fisher rights was very helpful and gave a lot of clarity on how we can protect ourselves as fishers from human rights violations using national, regional and international law. The workshop also allowed me to understand the various issues that are happening to SSF in other provinces. As the Coastal links South Africa, we must share our stories and support each other through our challenges.” said Rovina Europa from Arniston.
In August this year, Masifundise will host its very first Fisher People Tribunal. The aim of the tribunal process is to systematically document and expose violations and shortcomings in upholding the fundamental human rights of coastal and riparian communities with a focus on the voices of fisher people who depend on the ocean and freshwater resources.