Saudi Arabia has stressed the need to protect seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid severe humanitarian conditions and risks to their fundamental rights, the Saudi Press Agency said on Wednesday. The statement was delivered by Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, on behalf of a group of countries from various regions during the general debate on Item 4 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 protect their lives, health, safety, and dignity in accordance with international law. The joint statement welcomed efforts by relevant parties to protect seafarers, commending in particular humanitarian measures taken by some Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries through their port and maritime authorities. These measures include search-and-rescue operations, the provision of essential supplies and medical assistance, administrative flexibility and the facilitation of crew changes. Concluding the statement on behalf of the group, Saudi Arabia called on states to protect seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that their safety is closely linked to secure, 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 ensure safe navigation in the strait.
