The International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC)
March 16, 2021
Catholic organizations are mobilizing to address an invisible humanitarian crisis affecting men and women who work at sea, while calling on U.S.-based giant retailer Walmart to do more for the wellbeing of seafarers.
Have you ever stopped to think how easily you can enjoy your favorite coffee from Brazil, use prescription medicine produced in Germany or fill your car with gasoline made with crude oil from Saudi Arabia?
The answer lies in the 90% of global trade moved by sea and in the many seafarers who work to move cargo to and from the 6,000 ports around the world. By continuing to transport the products and equipment needed for our survival during a global pandemic, seafarers join the ranks of essential workers who protect our wellbeing and safety around the world. As Pope Francis has stressed, “Without the people of the sea, many parts of the world would starve.”