Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
March 19, 2026 Peace and security
Following the extraordinary meeting of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which concluded today, participants—in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817—strongly condemned the threats and attacks against ships, as well as the proposed closure of the Strait of Hormuz. It was noted that such actions have negatively impacted commercial shipping and jeopardized the safety and well-being of seafarers.
The Council called for a coordinated approach to security and emphasized the need for international coordination of response measures. It reaffirmed that the right of merchant and commercial vessels to freedom of navigation, in accordance with international law, must be respected.
In his closing remarks, the IMO Secretary-General stated: "Let each of us take responsibility and demonstrate that inaction is not an option and that words alone are not enough. Together, we can achieve the necessary changes to protect the well-being of the voiceless and preserve the principle of freedom of navigation."
The safety, security and well-being of seafarers
The Council called for an immediate end to all attacks on ships. It appealed to member states to ensure the continued supply of water, food, fuel, and other essential resources to vessels currently trapped in the region.
States are also encouraged to facilitate crew changes in accordance with international standards to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of seafarers. The Council emphasized the need to maintain contact between seafarers and their families and friends, as well as to ensure adequate supplies on board.
The Council called for coordinated international action to ensure safe navigation. It noted that the approach to addressing this issue must take into account crew fatigue and the pressure they are under, as well as the risks associated with transiting the region amid widespread interference and spoofing of global navigation satellite systems.
Safe passage frames
The Council called for the establishment of a temporary and urgent Safe Maritime Navigation Mechanism to facilitate the evacuation of merchant vessels currently in the Persian Gulf. This measure is aimed at protecting the lives of seafarers and ensuring the safety of commercial shipping by preventing attacks. The Council instructed Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez to take the necessary urgent measures to activate this mechanism in cooperation with the relevant parties.
“I am ready to immediately begin negotiations on the establishment of a humanitarian mechanism to evacuate all ships and seafarers trapped there, but this will require understanding, commitment and, above all, concrete action from all countries and parties concerned,” Secretary-General Dominguez said.
The extraordinary session of the Council was convened at the request of several member states. The Council is the executive body of the IMO and consists of 40 member states elected by the organization's Assembly. Representatives from over 120 states, including all 40 Council members, participated in the meeting.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.