UN chief urges activation of humanitarian mechanism for Hormuz transit

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on member states to activate a proposed humanitarian mechanism designed to mitigate risks and ensure orderly transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Guterres highlighted the severe impact of maritime traffic disruptions in Hormuz, exacerbated by Iran's actions following U.S. attacks, and in the Red Sea, threatened by Houthi rebels targeting Saudi Arabia.

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The interruption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, blocked by Iran after the attacks by the United States, and in the Red Sea, threatened by the Houthi rebels of Yemen against Saudi Arabia, are limiting 'the transport of energy, fertilizers and other essential basic products'.

These disruptions, Guterres warned, are significantly impacting the transport of essential goods like energy and fertilizers. He noted that oil prices have risen by 33% since the conflict began, and global shipping rates have surged by 84% compared to a year ago. "The result is evident: higher prices, increased hunger, scarcer harvests, and greater hardship, especially for the world's most vulnerable people," he stated.

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The result is evident: higher prices, increased hunger, scarcer harvests, and greater hardship, especially for the world's most vulnerable people.

To address these challenges, Guterres established a working group in March to develop practical mechanisms for humanitarian needs. He believes the proposal can be implemented quickly. The mechanism is not intended to usurp the authority of member states in making decisions about passage through the strait. Instead, its objective is straightforward: to reduce immediate risks, promote more orderly and predictable transit, and help restore the confidence necessary for diplomacy and de-escalation.

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The objective is simple: reduce immediate risks, facilitate more orderly and predictable transit, and contribute to restoring the necessary confidence for diplomacy and de-escalation.

Guterres described the response to the plan as "encouraging," particularly from more vulnerable nations. He stressed that cooperation and political will from all parties are now essential. "This mechanism does not replace the full restoration of freedom of navigation rights and liberties, nor the political solutions needed to end these conflicts," he clarified. He views it as a crucial first step toward reducing risks, protecting civilians, and safeguarding the transport of essential goods, emphasizing that millions worldwide depend on the collective ability to defend freedom of navigation.

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This mechanism does not replace the full restoration of freedom of navigation rights and liberties, nor the political solutions needed to end these conflicts.