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.
At least 6,000 seafarers on some 400 vessels remain stranded in 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.
We are 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.
These seafarers remain exposed to hostilities as deadly attacks in the Strait continue – facing imminent risks of death or harm. Two Indian seafarers have been killed in recent weeks in the Strait. At least three other seafarers have been killed in an attack on an oil tanker near the Strait. This brings the total number of reported seafarer deaths to 17 since the start of the conflict.
Attacks against civilian vessels are unacceptable and must stop. They are protected under international humanitarian law.
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.
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.
The High Commissioner is also concerned about the situation facing seafarers in other parts of the world, including in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea where a series of attacks have been reported against civilian merchant vessels. Our Office has verified at least four attacks on civilian vessels in the Odesa region this month, in which 34 vessel workers were killed or injured. In the Sea of Azov, we are also aware of reports of at least one attack this month in which one vessel worker was killed.
Seafarers should not be forced or compelled to endanger their lives by sailing through conflict zones. Nor should they face the risk of reprisal by shipowners if they decline these assignments.
In line with a Resolution adopted in 2024 by the Human Rights Council, States, the shipping industry and all relevant stakeholders must protect the human rights of seafarers, including their right to life, to just and favourable conditions of work, including safe and healthy working conditions, and the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
Seafarers have the right to freely choose 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.
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.
