JEAIL > Volume 18(2); 2025 > Regional Focus & Controversies
Research Paper
Published online: November 30, 2025
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14330/jeail.2025.18.2.06

Human Rights at Sea: A Korean Perspective toward an Integrated Legal Framework for Seafarer Protection

Sang-il Lee & Song-yi Yi
Korea Maritime & Ocean University
727, Taejong-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, Republic of Korea, 49112.
Corresponding Author: yisongyi@seaman.or.kr

ⓒ Copyright YIJUN Institute of International Law
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/liceInha University Law School, 100 Inharo, Michuhol-gu, Incheon 22212 Korea. / nses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract
Global trade relies heavily on shipping; yet maritime law frameworks often fail to protect seafarers’ human rights adequately. Seafarers thus continue to experience coerced labor, abandonment, harassment, or inadequate treatment. This research aims to establish a cohesive legal framework safeguarding seafarers’ human rights through a comparative analysis of international and Korean maritime law. It provides an overview of the current status of seafarers’ human rights protection; describes the theoretical framework of human rights principles and maritime labor; reviews and analyzes legal precedents regarding seafarers’ human rights; and offer recommendations for international and domestic (Korean) policies and industry and stakeholder engagement to strengthen the protection of seafarers’ human rights. This manuscript addresses soft law initiatives, including the Neptune Declaration, Geneva Declaration, and the training and accountability proposals from the IMO-ILO. The authors advocate for more stringent national legislation, comprehensive worldwide SASH training, and enhanced oversight. Ultimately, the rights of seafarers necessitate enforceable legal reform, global collaboration, and interagency support.

Keywords : North Korea, UN Sanctions, Security Council, Chapter VII, UN Charter, Legal Limits under International Law, International Human Rights

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