UN Human Rights Spokesperson Shabia Mantoo remarks on stranded Hormuz seafarers abandoned for months at sea

“UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk calls for urgent action to remedy the plight of thousands of stranded seafarers who are facing a dire humanitarian and human rights crisis in the Strait of Hormuz,” the UN Human Rights spokesperson said.

Adding that “at least 6,000 seafarers on some 400 vessels remain stranded in and around the Strait, having been unable to evacuate during the ceasefire. This is according to information from the International Maritime Organization.” This number is not exhaustive as many others are unaccounted for, believed to be stuck in the Persian Gulf on a range of smaller vessels or have otherwise not been located.

“Our Office has also obtained information that some seafarers have been abandoned at sea by shipowners who have left them without support, repatriation and even their owed wages,” she said.

The UN Human Rights Office has also obtained information that some seafarers have been abandoned at sea by shipowners who have left them without support, repatriation and even their owed wages. The UN Human Rights Office is aware of at least nine ships, with 93 crew members, abandoned by their owners in the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the war.

“The seafarers have been left on their ships to fend for themselves without food, water, fuel, medical care, electricity or means to communicate with their families. They face prolonged isolation and confinement in a conflict zone, with uncertainty about their safety and disembarkation – risking a severe toll on their mental and physical well-being,” Mantoo said.

“Seafarers remain exposed to hostilities as deadly attacks on the Strait - facing imminent risks of death or harm. Two Indian seafarers were killed in recent weeks in the Strait. And last month other seafarers were killed in an attack on an oil tanker. This brings the total number of reported seafarer deaths to 17 since the start of the conflict,” the spokesperson said.

“Attacks against civilian vessels are unacceptable and must stop. They are protected under international humanitarian law,” she stated.

“The High Commissioner calls on States, shipowners and all relevant actors to urgently ensure the protection of stranded seafarers including through ensuring effective access to consular assistance, essential supplies and services - and by facilitating evacuations and repatriations,” she said.

The spokesperson called for the parties to the conflict to urgently work to facilitate safe passage for stranded seafarers to safely evacuate and disembark, as well as ensure the delivery of critical supplies.

“Seafarers have the right to freely coose or accept work, including decisions on whether to sail or continue sailing in high-risk areas. Flag States and shipowners should also uphold their labour rights, including through the continued payment of wages,” she added.

The dignity, safety and well-being of seafarers must remain at the core of policies, industry practices and international cooperation, in accordance with the Manila Declaration - a landmark global call to action issued last year.

ENDS

For more information and media requests, please contact:

In Geneva

Shabia Mantoo - shabia.mantoo@un.org

Ravina Shamdasani - ravina.shamdasani@un.org

Jeremy Laurence - jeremy.laurence@un.org

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