Namibian fishermen are actively seeking compensation from the Icelandic fishing company, Samherji, due to the devastating effects of the Fishrot scandal, which has left many without jobs and struggling to make ends meet.
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), along with the affected fishermen, is urging Samherji to issue an acknowledgement and apology for its role in the Fishrot corruption scandal, directly addressing the affected individuals.
At the launch of IPPR’s 2nd report on The Human Rights Impacts of the Fishrot Scandal, retrenched fishermen shared the severe impact unemployment has taken on their lives.
They spoke of feelings of division, poverty, loneliness, mental health struggles, and high blood pressure, with some allegedly even resorting to suicide.
The emotional strain, they say, has fuelled frustrations leading to increased gender-based violence.
The government’s monthly Government Employment Redress Program payment of N$4,000 since 2020 has proven to be inadequate, leaving many in debt and struggling to meet basic needs.
The fishermen, who believe their labour rights were violated, have had to abandon business plans due to financial hardship and are now calling for compensation of N$140,000 each.
The research also found that over 80% of respondents rely mainly on financial support from relatives and friends.
Many also take on odd jobs or small business ventures, such as street hawking, running tuckshops, or cutting hair, to earn extra income.
The Fishrot Human Rights Impact Study will also gather evidence and information demonstrating the human costs of corruption.