One Ocean Human Rights Center
The Rafto Foundation has taken the initiative to bring together a number of actors within the ocean industries to establish the One Ocean Human Rights Center. The goal is to create a global hub for ocean industries and human rights in Bergen.
A Center for Responsible Ocean Developmen
The One Ocean Human Rights Center is an initiative based on the work of IHRB and the Rafto Foundation with the Ocean and Human Rights Platform. The center will be an international meeting place for research, business, authorities, and organizations that wish to promote sustainability, human rights, and fair solutions in ocean-based industries.
Ocean industries affect the human rights of those who live from, on, and by the sea. Therefore, the center will work to ensure decent working conditions in ocean industries, sustainable livelihoods in coastal communities, and the right to a healthy ocean.
Why Oceans and Human Rights?
Industry and economic activity in the world’s oceans (often referred to as the “blue economy”) can offer significant social benefits. But if not managed responsibly, they can also have negative consequences for local communities, for workers in ocean industries and supply chains, for vulnerable groups such as Indigenous peoples, women and girls, and human rights defenders. The blue economy encompasses many different sectors, and human rights are a fundamental factor across them all.
Broad Support from the Ocean Industries
The One Ocean Human Rights Center will bring together various stakeholders to strengthen cooperation between industry, academia, and civil society. By pooling knowledge and resources, the center can contribute to better decision-making and innovation across sectors.
Vestland County Municipality has already contributed funding to the project, and several key actors from the ocean industries, such as the Bergen Shipowners' Association, NCE Seafood Innovation, and PWC, support the initiative.
Launch During One Ocean Week 2025
The One Ocean Human Rights Center was launched during One Ocean Week in Bergen in April 2025. This was an important venue for gathering stakeholders and creating engagement around the project.
We believe Bergen is uniquely positioned to host such a center, both because of the collaboration among various actors necessary to realize the project, and because the ocean city of Bergen and its business community have a significant international footprint and can be a key driver of this work going forward.
The Rafto Foundation invites all relevant actors to join in the effort to ensure that the ocean’s resources are managed in a sustainable and fair way. Join this important mission to protect our oceans and strengthen the people who depend on them.
Contact
Jostein Hole Kobbeltvedt
Executive Director| Means of contact | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Phone: | +47 92066025 |
| E-mail: | jostein.hole.kobbeltvedt@rafto.no |
Therese Jebsen
Senior Advisor| Means of contact | Contact details |
|---|---|
| Phone: | 415 11 390 |
| E-mail: | therese.jebsen@rafto.no |