Image Source: OHCHR
World – The United Nations Secretary-General voiced alarm this week over the resumption of Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, saying the renewed threats to maritime navigation could draw the region deeper into conflict.
The attacks, claimed by the Houthis, threatened Yemen’s fragile prospects for peace and carried serious economic, humanitarian and environmental consequences for the wider region.
In a statement delivered by his Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, the Secretary-General called for an immediate halt to the hostilities and urged restraint from all parties, citing existing Security Council resolutions on attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
“[The UN] calls for immediate de-escalation and urges Houthis to refrain from any further attacks or other escalatory actions, in line with Security Council resolution 2722 (2024) and subsequent relevant resolutions concerning attacks against commercial vessels and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.”
The Secretary-General called for the full restoration of international rights of passage through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, saying shipping through the corridor must resume without interference from any party to the conflict.
IMO Condemns Attacks on Shipping
The International Maritime Organisation also condemned the attacks. Its Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, said the strikes endangered seafarers and put global trade routes at risk, calling the attacks indefensible.
“I unequivocally condemn the latest reported attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea area. These attacks are indefensible.”
Dominguez said seafarers were civilians doing essential work that sustained economies and communities worldwide, and that ship operators had a duty to assess risks carefully before transiting the region. He said the danger extended beyond seafarers to the marine environment and the stability of global trade.
Dominguez renewed his call for the release of seafarers held captive following piracy incidents in the region, saying their safety was a legal obligation shared by the international community.
“I also renew my call for the immediate and unconditional release of all seafarers who continue to be held captive following piracy attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region.”
He said continued attacks risked further disrupting commercial routes and undermining freedom of navigation, adding that the IMO remained concerned about the risk of pollution from the incidents and that de-escalation was the only solution.
