Human Rights Impacts of the Fishrot Scandal (Report)
'We Are The Ones That Suffered The Most'
Written by Frederico Links & Ester Mbathera, Edited by: Graham Hopwood, and Published by IPPR Namibia in partnership with the British High Commission.
Publish date: 6 March 2024
In the report, thirteen Namibian fishing industry workers provide a human voice to the devastating impact of corruption by detailing their struggles to secure new employment, maintain basic living standards and participate meaningfully in societal activities.
Former deck hand Thomas Haimbala said that his life is “so bad” now because of a lack of money. “I want to buy [things], but there’s no money. I want to get married, but there’s no money”. He added: I’m concerned about the future, about tomorrow … if it will be worse or if it will be better.” Several former Namibian government officials are set to stand trial over the Fishrot scandal, accused of receiving payments from representatives of Icelandic fishing company Samherji in exchange for lucrative fishing quotas. - IPPR Namibia Media Statement