The United Nations has appealed for the immediate evacuation of about 6,000 seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz as tensions in the Middle East continue to threaten one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
The UN warned that thousands of sailors are facing a serious humanitarian crisis after becoming trapped aboard hundreds of vessels in the strategic waterway amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
Speaking through her spokesperson, Shabia Mantoo, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called on all parties involved in the conflict to ensure the safe evacuation and protection of the stranded seafarers.
According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), at least 6,000 sailors remain stranded on hundreds of ships in the Strait of Hormuz and have been unable to disembark despite the ceasefire.
“Parties to the conflict should urgently work to facilitate safe passage for stranded seafarers to safely evacuate and disembark, as well as ensure the delivery of critical supplies,” Mantoo said during a press briefing in Geneva.
She also stressed that civilian vessels must not be targeted during the conflict.
“Attacks against civilian vessels are unacceptable and must stop. They are protected under international humanitarian law,” she added.
The UN further called on governments, shipowners and other relevant organisations to provide stranded sailors with consular support, food, medical supplies and other essential assistance while working towards their safe evacuation and return home.
Meanwhile, tensions in the region escalated further after the United States launched fresh strikes on Iran, following attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on oil tankers in the Red Sea.
The renewed conflict has pushed global crude oil prices above $100 per barrel, raising concerns over global energy supplies and international trade.
Although the US military insists that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international shipping, reports indicate that Iran has continued targeting some vessels using the route in an effort to pressure ship operators.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important shipping lanes, with around 20% of global oil supplies passing through the waterway before the conflict intensified.
Source: AFP.
