Liberia has called for stronger protection of seafarers and respect for freedom of navigation at the 138th Council Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as armed conflicts and security threats continue to affect major international shipping routes.
Presenting Liberia’s General Statement under Agenda Item C138/11, Maritime Commissioner and CEO, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr., raised concerns over continued attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Strait of Hormuz. He noted that military operations have left thousands of vessels and seafarers stranded in affected areas.
Commissioner Lighe warned that these attacks continue to put seafarers’ lives at risk, damage commercial vessels, disrupt maritime trade and cause loss of life.
He expressed Liberia’s deepest condolences to the families of seafarers who have died in these attacks. He stressed that maritime workers carrying out their legitimate duties should never suffer because of geopolitical conflicts.
“Seafarers are innocent civilian professionals performing legitimate duties essential to international trade and the global economy. They must never become targets or casualties of armed conflicts and geopolitical hostilities,” the Liberian statement emphasized.
Liberia also reaffirmed the need to protect freedom of navigation and the right of innocent passage under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), urging all parties to respect these rights in accordance with international law.
The government stressed that protecting seafarers remains a fundamental humanitarian responsibility. It called on all parties to safeguard maritime workers, respect their dignity and ensure their safety and humane treatment.
Calling for an end to the violence, Liberia urged parties involved in ongoing conflicts to exercise restraint, stop hostilities and pursue dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace and stability.
Liberia warned that continued attacks and hostilities are causing human suffering, disrupting global supply chains and creating serious economic difficulties for countries around the world, particularly developing economies.
The country also called on authorities and parties controlling conflict-affected maritime areas to allow commercial vessels and their crews to pass safely in line with international laws and maritime regulations.
Liberia commended IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and other international stakeholders for their continued efforts to assist and protect seafarers stranded or exposed to danger in conflict zones.
The country also acknowledged the governments, maritime authorities and institutions that have supported Liberian-flagged vessels and their crews during maritime security incidents.
“The seas must remain corridors of peaceful commerce, international cooperation, and human progress, not theatres of conflict, violence, and human suffering,” the Liberian statement concluded.
