UN organisations issue joint declaration
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (Icao) has joined the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in issuing a new statement on the need to ensure ‘key worker’ designations for the millions of skilled personnel now maintaining essential global air and sea trade capacities.
The call to world governments comes as Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines continue to curtail travel and restrict border movements. Ports and airports are closed and ships and aircraft are denied entry, threatening to close down entire transport hubs.
The UN agencies encourage states to ensure the ‘key worker’ designation for seafarers, marine personnel, fishing vessel crews, and staff employed in the offshore energy sector, aviation, air cargo supply chains and airport and port services. (mw)