HUCF

U.S. IUU/Labor Rights Coalition

The U.S. IUU/Labor Rights Coalition is a member-led, multi-organization platform created to foster convergence of understanding and action across labor rights groups and environmental NGOs on issues of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and human rights in fisheries. Formed in June 2020, the Coalition pursues one common goal: to strengthen U.S. leadership to combat IUU fishing and forced labor globally by leveraging the use of existing or pushing for improved U.S. government mechanisms, and by utilizing the collective influence and integrated advocacy of its participating organizations while enhancing each member's individual work.

The Coalition is member-led, with a rotating Steering Committee of four members (two from labor advocacy backgrounds and two from environmental advocacy backgrounds) who help guide its work.

Through coordinated advocacy, grantmaking, and facilitated collaboration, the Coalition aims to:

Advance U.S. policy and regulation: Drive systemic change within U.S. government on regulation, enforcement, and accountability in the seafood sector, making it increasingly difficult for suppliers to import products tainted with exploitation or illegal practices;
Strengthen cross-sector coordination: Bridge parallel efforts of environmental NGOs and labor rights organizations to align objectives and strategically engage shared networks across U.S. agencies and elected officials; and,
Build collective advocacy capacity: through member organizations' communications work, campaigns, and lobbying efforts, the coalition seeks to encourage stronger regulatory measures combating unsustainable and exploitative practices in global fisheries.

The Coalition's activities are grounded in member-led collaboration and an integrated approach to advocacy:

Coordinated advocacy: Member organizations pool their collective influence and Hill-connected expertise to engage policymakers and their staff on IUU fishing and forced labor, creating a unified voice across environmental and labor constituencies that neither sector could achieve alone.

Facilitated collaboration: A dedicated facilitator supports the logistical and strategic needs of the group, enabling members to align on key priorities, coordinate with each other's networks, and engage with elected officials and federal agencies in a tactful and sustained way.
Fiscal stewardship: HUCF serves as the host and fiscal administrator of the Coalition's pooled funding, redistributing resources at the will and direction of the Steering Committee to cover facilitation, advocacy, research, event support, and other coalition needs.

Charitable fund

U.S. IUU/Labor Rights Coalition

Contact

San Francisco

Washington D.C.