On 5 June 2026, the Government of Iceland deposited with the Director-General of the International Labour Office the instruments of ratification of the Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188) and the Safe and Healthy Working Environment (Consequential Amendments) Convention, 2023 (No. 191).
With these ratifications, Iceland joins Denmark and Norway as the Nordic countries that have ratified Convention No. 188. Iceland reaffirms its commitment to decent work in the fishing sector, a pillar of its economy, history and coastal communities. It also adds an important social dimension to Iceland's long-standing approach to sustainable fisheries management, recognizing that sustainability includes the rights, safety and dignity of fishers.
At the deposit ceremony, held at ILO headquarters in the presence of ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo, the Minister of Minister of Social Affairs and Housing of Iceland, H.E. Ragnar Þór Ingólfsson, stated: "Iceland is pleased to mark the ratification of both ILO Convention No. 188 on Work in Fishing and Convention No. 191 on a Safe and Healthy Working Environment (Consequential Amendments) on the same day. For Iceland, this carries both practical and symbolic significance. It reflects our commitment to decent work in the fishing sector, which is central to our economy and identity, as well as to safe and healthy working conditions as a fundamental principle and right at work for all.Iceland firmly believes that every worker has the right to return home safe and healthy at the end of the working day. These ratifications demonstrate our determination to uphold that principle and to support the ILO international labour standards that underpin safe, fair and dignified working lives for all."
Receiving the instrument of ratification, Mr Houngbo said: "Fishing is at the heart of Iceland's economy, communities and national identity. By ratifying Convention No. 188, Iceland sends a strong message: fishers have the right to safe, fair and decent working and living conditions. This ratification is an important contribution to socially sustainable fishing and to the global promotion of decent work in the sector. By ratifying Convention No. 191, Iceland also reinforces the recognition of a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work."
Convention No. 188 sets minimum standards for decent work on board fishing vessels, including work agreements, occupational safety and health, medical care, accommodation, food, rest periods, social security and the responsibilities of fishing vessel owners.
The ILO has recently launched the Partnership for Decent Work in Fisheries - a global campaign aimed at accelerating ratification and supporting effective implementation of Convention No. 188 worldwide. Iceland's ratification strengthens protection for fishers in a demanding and hazardous sector and sends a strong signal to the many countries still considering ratification.
The ILO stands ready to support the Government of Iceland, workers' and employers' organizations and other stakeholders in the effective implementation of the Convention.
Convention No. 188 has now been ratified by 26 ILO Member States and will enter into force for Iceland 12 months after its ratification.
