WORLD | INTERNATIONAL

The United Nations has appealed for immediate international action to evacuate thousands of seafarers trapped in the Strait of Hormuz as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.

According to the UN, approximately 6,000 sailors remain stranded aboard hundreds of commercial vessels operating in the strategic waterway, raising growing concerns over their safety, wellbeing and access to essential supplies.

The organisation warned that the situation has evolved beyond a shipping challenge into a humanitarian and human rights emergency requiring coordinated global intervention.

The appeal was made by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, through his spokesperson, Shabia Mantoo, during a press briefing in Geneva on Friday, July 24, 2026.

Mantoo said information from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) indicated that thousands of crew members had been unable to safely leave the area despite the existence of a ceasefire.

She stressed that all parties involved in the conflict should work together to ensure the safe movement of stranded seafarers and provide them with the assistance they urgently require.

“Parties to the conflict should urgently work to facilitate safe passage for stranded seafarers to safely evacuate and disembark, as well as ensure the delivery of critical supplies,” Mantoo said.

The UN also emphasised that merchant vessels and civilian ships must not become targets during armed conflicts, reminding all parties that international humanitarian law protects civilian maritime operations.

Mantoo added that attacks on civilian vessels are unacceptable and called for immediate measures to safeguard those working at sea.

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

Beyond ensuring safe passage, the United Nations urged governments, shipowners and other stakeholders within the maritime industry to provide stranded crew members with essential support.

This includes facilitating consular services, delivering food, water and medical supplies where necessary, and arranging the eventual evacuation and repatriation of affected sailors to their home countries.

The humanitarian appeal comes as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate.

Fresh military action by the United States against Iran followed attacks reportedly carried out by Tehran-backed Houthi rebels on oil tankers operating in the Red Sea, adding further pressure to already fragile regional security.

The renewed hostilities have also triggered concerns across global energy markets.

Crude oil prices climbed above the $100-per-barrel mark as investors reacted to fears that prolonged instability around the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt international oil supplies.

The waterway remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors, serving as a vital gateway for energy exports from Gulf nations.

Before the latest conflict intensified, roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments passed through the Strait of Hormuz, making any disruption a significant concern for global trade and energy security.

Despite continued attacks on commercial tankers, the United States military has maintained that the route remains open for international shipping.

However, reports indicate that security threats in the area continue to create uncertainty for shipping companies and crews operating in the region.

Maritime experts have warned that prolonged instability could increase insurance costs, delay cargo deliveries and place additional pressure on already stretched global supply chains.

For the thousands of sailors currently unable to leave their vessels, the immediate priority remains safety.

Many have reportedly spent extended periods at sea without certainty over when they will be able to disembark or return home, highlighting the human impact of a conflict that continues to affect international commerce.

The United Nations says protecting civilian seafarers must remain a priority regardless of the evolving military situation.

It is urging all governments, international organisations and private shipping operators to cooperate in ensuring that those trapped in the Strait of Hormuz receive the protection, assistance and safe evacuation they urgently need.

As diplomatic efforts continue alongside military developments, the fate of thousands of stranded crew members remains closely tied to improvements in regional security and humanitarian access.