The United Nations on Friday called for the urgent evacuation and repatriation of around 6,000 seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, warning of a worsening humanitarian and human rights situation amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged governments, shipowners and other stakeholders to take immediate steps to protect sailors trapped aboard vessels in the strategic waterway, according to his spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has said at least 6,000 seafarers aboard hundreds of ships remain stranded in the strait and have been unable to evacuate despite the ceasefire. It added that the whereabouts of many others remain unknown.
Speaking at a press conference in Geneva, Mantoo said Türk had called for urgent measures to ensure the protection of stranded seafarers, including the provision of consular assistance, essential supplies, and the facilitation of safe evacuations and repatriation.
She also urged parties to the conflict to ensure safe passage for affected crews to disembark and to allow the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance and other critical supplies.