Produced by United Nations
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged Member States to support the emergency evacuation framework prepared by the International Maritime Organization (IOM) to securely evacuate ships and seafarers from the conflict zone.
Addressing the Security Council about ‘Safety and Protection of Waterways in the Maritime Domain’, Guterres said, “Safe, unimpeded passage is an economic and humanitarian imperative. The economic shock has been immediate – and everyone is paying the price.”
He highlighted, “Behind the cargo figures and the price surges are people. More than 20,000 seafarers remain stranded at sea. Over 2,000 commercial vessels are caught in a web of risks and restrictions to navigation. These men and women are not parties to any conflict. They are civilian workers keeping the world supplied. Their safety, their well-being, and their rights must be protected – at all times, and in all waters.”
He urged Member States to support the emergency evacuation framework prepared by the International Maritime Organization, “A coordinated plan to ensure the safe movement, assistance, and protection of affected crews in full accordance with international law.”
He continued, “The Charter’s prohibition of the threat or use of force applies fully at sea. Navigational rights and freedoms through the Strait of Hormuz must be respected – as affirmed by this Council’s Resolution 2817. These principles must be upheld – in full, and without delay. I appeal to the parties: Open the Strait. Let ships pass. No tolls. No discrimination. Let trade resume. Let the global economy breathe.”
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