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DOL Proposes Removal of Thai Shrimp from Child Labor List
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has recommended removing Thai shrimp from its annual "List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor," a designation in place since 2009. This move comes after collaborative assessments by the DOL, the U.S. State Department, and the Department of Homeland Security found a significant reduction in the use of forced child labor in Thailand's shrimp sector.
The proposal, outlined in a DOL notice published in the Federal Register on 10 May, invites public comment until 10 June 2024. The agency cites recent credible information indicating a decline in forced or indentured child labor in Thai shrimp production, signaling a departure from previous concerns raised between 2006 and 2015.
The Thai government's efforts to combat labor exploitation in the seafood industry are acknowledged, including ratification of international labor conventions and implementation of fisheries sector reforms. Private-sector initiatives to formalize supply chains and eliminate unregulated shrimp sheds have also contributed to this positive shift, according to Thea Mei Lee, U.S. Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs.
While progress has been noted, concerns remain regarding the effective implementation of anti-trafficking measures and the rollback of certain reforms within Thailand's seafood industry. Nonetheless, the DOL's review indicates a marked reduction in forced child labor incidents, leading to the recommendation to upgrade Thailand's shrimp sector rating.
In 2023, reports from various stakeholders suggested a significant decrease in forced child labor instances, with incidents now confined to isolated cases. Despite a decline in shrimp exports to the U.S. in 2023, Thailand remains a significant player in the global shrimp market.
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