UN urges evacuation of 6,000 stranded seafarers in Strait of Hormuz

The United Nations has called for the evacuation of around 6,000 seafarers stranded in the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz on approximately 500 ships, as maritime traffic has come to a near standstill and security risks have increased due to regional tensions and a naval blockade.

The UN reported that navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains almost completely halted, leaving 6,000 sailors stranded on 500 vessels. It also noted that charges for safe passage are illegal under international law, and that high energy prices are driving up the value of global trade.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Friday called on countries involved in the ongoing Middle East conflict to help evacuate and repatriate the seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Agence France-Presse, UNHCR spokesperson in Geneva, Shabia Mantoo, said, "Parties to the conflict must urgently facilitate the safe passage of stranded seafarers to ensure their evacuation and safe disembarkation, as well as guarantee the delivery of vital supplies."