The United Nations has called for urgent action to evacuate and repatriate about 6,000 seafarers stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid the continuing conflict in the Middle East.
The sailors are among thousands of crew members trapped aboard hundreds of vessels in the strategic waterway, with the UN warning that their situation has developed into a serious humanitarian and human rights crisis.
UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, has urged countries involved in the conflict, shipowners and other relevant parties to take immediate steps to protect the stranded seafarers.
Turk’s spokeswoman, Shabia Mantoo, said the International Maritime Organisation had reported that at least 6,000 seafarers were stranded in the Strait and unable to evacuate during the ceasefire.
“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 told journalists at a press conference in Geneva on Friday, July 24, 2026.
She also warned that attacks on civilian vessels must stop, stressing that such vessels are protected under international humanitarian law.
“Attacks against civilian vessels are unacceptable and must stop. They are protected under international humanitarian law,” she said.
According to Mantoo, Turk is calling on states, shipowners and all other relevant actors to urgently guarantee the safety and protection of the stranded seafarers.
This, she said, should include providing consular assistance and essential supplies, as well as facilitating the evacuation and repatriation of those trapped in the waterway.
The appeal came as the conflict in the region escalated further, with the United States launching fresh strikes on Iran on Friday after Tehran-backed Houthi rebels attacked oil tankers in the Red Sea.
The latest developments have heightened concerns over global energy supplies, with crude oil prices rising above $100 per barrel.
The U.S. military, however, maintained that the Strait of Hormuz remained “open for transit” after Iran continued attacks on tankers using the route in an attempt to pressure them into paying for safe passage.
Before the war, the Strait of Hormuz carried about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
The United Nations is now urging all parties to the conflict and other relevant stakeholders to prioritise the safe evacuation of the thousands of seafarers caught in the crisis.
