Fishrot: Government job scheme fails victims, IPPR report

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has released its final report detailing the human rights impact of the Fishrot corruption scandal, with a specific focus on the government’s employment redress programme for former fisheries workers. The report, authored by Frederico Links and Ester Mbathera, raises serious concerns about the redress programme’s transparency, oversight, and effectiveness. 

According to the report, many former fisheries workers interviewed have been unable to secure steady employment despite receiving a monthly stipend of N$4,000 under the Government Employment Redress Programme (GERP). Most respondents described the stipend as inadequate to cover basic needs. The report further indicates that former employees lost jobs and income after quotas were diverted to favored entities, such as Samherji and others, resulting in long-term economic hardship for affected individuals and their families.

The IPPR is calling on the government and Samherji to establish an independent body to oversee redress, ensure fair compensation, and provide a transparent support mechanism for victims.

IPPR research associate, Frederico Links, said that the programme’s lack of accountability and unclear impact undermine its intended aim of restoring justice to those most affected by corruption.

The Fishrot scandal surfaced in 2019 when leaked documents revealed bribery and quota manipulation by Icelandic fishing company Samherji and high-ranking Namibian officials. Known as the “Fishrot Six,” several officials have since been arrested and await trial over allegations of corruption and misuse of national resources.

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The post Fishrot: Government job scheme fails victims, IPPR report first appeared on Future Media News.

The post Fishrot: Government job scheme fails victims, IPPR report appeared first on Future Media News.