United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has raised concerns over the humanitarian impact of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the need to stop using merchant shipping as a political tool. At a Security Council meeting on maritime security, he highlighted the plight of over 20,000 seafarers stuck at sea on more than 2,000 commercial vessels facing risks and navigation restrictions.
Guterres stressed the importance of safeguarding the safety, well-being, and rights of these seafarers, calling for the implementation of an emergency plan for their evacuation. He urged member nations to support the International Maritime Organization’s framework for a coordinated effort to ensure the safe movement and protection of affected crews.
The UN Chief warned that the prolonged disruption in the region could lead to a global food crisis, particularly affecting millions in Africa and South Asia, pushing them into hunger and poverty. He emphasized the critical role of the Strait of Hormuz in global trade, with 20% of oil and gas, and a third of internationally traded fertilizers passing through it.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the importance of upholding the traffic separation scheme involving Iran and Oman to ensure safe maritime passage. He rejected any attempts to introduce tolls or fees in international straits, stating that there is no legal basis for such actions.
