JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres deeply concerned by the resumption of Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea this week and new threats to maritime navigation, his spokesman said said in a statement.
The Yemeni armed movement officially known as Ansar Allah, which is backed by Iran, recently entered the conflict and threatened to blockad the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the main shipping route to the Red Sea.
The Houthi group has been fighting Yemeni government forces, backed by a Saudi Arabian-led coalition, for more than a decade. On Thursday, they claimed to have attacked two Saudi oil tankers, according to media reports.
Risk of wider regional conflict
“The attack on the commercial vessel, claimed by the Houthis, risks further escalating regional tensions and expanding the current cycle of escalation and potentially drawing Yemen further into the regional conflict.,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in a statement.
He warned that “further hostilities in Yemen would undermine prospects for peace, and lead to serious economic, humanitarian and environmental consequences throughout and beyond the region.”
In response, the Secretary-General called for immediate de-escalation and urged the Houthis – who control the capital and much of the west – to refrain from further attacks or other escalatory actions, in line with the UN. Security Council resolutions regarding attacks on commercial vessels and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
UN Special Envoy for Yemen too expressed concern over the return of Houthi attacks. Hans Grundberg has held extensive meetings over the past few weeks with Yemeni, regional and international stakeholders.
Concern for stranded sailors
The UN has been pushing for peace since conflict in the Middle East first erupted in late February following the joint US-Israel bombing of Iran and retaliatory attacks by Tehran in the Gulf region.
A ceasefire announced in April, but later extended, collapsed this month, including due to violations around the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway responsible for about a quarter of global maritime trade, particularly oil and gas supplies.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, on Friday called for urgent action on behalf of the thousands of seafarers still stranded in the strait.
At least 6,000 crew members on about 400 ships are still there, having been unable to evacuate during the ceasefire, according to information from the Armed Forces. International Maritime Organization (IMO).
“This number is not complete because there are many other ships that have not been found, are believed to be stuck in the Persian Gulf with small vessels or have not been found,” said Shabia Mantoo, spokesperson for the High Commissioner.
Abandoned ship
He said his office, OHCHRalso obtained information that several seafarers had been abandoned by ship owners who left them on the high seas without support, repatriation, and even unpaid salaries.
OHCHR knows of at least nine such ships, with 93 crew members, that have been abandoned since the start of the war.
“The sailors were left on their ships to fend for themselves without food, water, fuel, medical care, electricity or the means to communicate with their families.,” said Ms Mantoo.
Danger at sea
The crew “faced prolonged isolation and confinement in a conflict zone, with uncertainty regarding their safety and disembarkation – risking adverse impacts on their mental and physical health.”
They also remain vulnerable to hostilities as deadly attacks continue in the Strait of Hormuz. Mrs Mantoo recalled that 17 sailors had died since the start of the conflict.
“Attacks on civilian vessels are unacceptable and must stop. They are protected under international humanitarian lawhe said.
The High Commissioner called on countries, shipowners and all relevant parties “to immediately ensure the protection of stranded seafarers including by ensuring effective access to consular assistance, essential supplies and services – and by facilitating evacuation and repatriation.”
Additionally, “parties to the conflict must immediately work to facilitate the safe passage of stranded seafarers to allow them to evacuate and disembark safely, as well as ensure the delivery of essential supplies.”
