Saudi Arabia highlights plight of stranded seafarers in Strait of Hormuz

Saudi Arabia has emphasized the importance of protecting seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, given the severe humanitarian conditions they face and the risks to their fundamental rights.

This came in a joint statement delivered by Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, on behalf of a group of countries representing various regional blocs, during the general debate under item four at the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the ambassador expressed deep concern over the ongoing insecurity and difficult living conditions faced by seafarers. He noted that attacks on civilian vessels have resulted in casualties and injuries among crew members, while many seafarers continue to struggle to access food, drinking water, fuel, medicine, and medical care.

He referred to Human Rights Council Resolution 56/18, which recognizes seafarers as a category of workers requiring protection and affirms that they are not responsible for the circumstances in which they find themselves. He stressed the need to ensure the protection of their lives, health, safety, and dignity in accordance with international law.

The joint statement welcomed efforts by relevant parties to safeguard seafarers, particularly commending humanitarian initiatives by some Gulf states through their port and maritime authorities. These include search and rescue operations, provision of essential supplies and medical aid, administrative flexibility, and facilitating crew changes.

Concluding the statement on behalf of the group, Saudi Arabia called on states to ensure the protection of seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that their safety is closely linked to guaranteeing secure and unimpeded maritime navigation in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

This comes amid ongoing international calls to protect commercial vessels and seafarers and to ensure the safety of navigation in the strait.