UN Calls for Urgent Protection of Thousands of Seafarers Stranded in Conflict Zones

Author: Aamnah Fatima Khan

July 29, 2026

HRRC strongly condemns attacks on civilian vessels and the abandonment of seafarers in conflict zones, which violate international humanitarian and labour rights standards. All parties to conflict and shipowners must provide essential supplies and ensure safe evacuation, repatriation and payment of wages.

[Image credit: Andreas Dittberner/Unsplash]

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has called for immediate international action for the protection of thousands of seafarers stuck in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz as the conflict in the Middle East continues. As per the International Maritime Organization (IMO), approximately 400 vessels carrying at least 6,000 seafarers still remain trapped around the strait, as evacuation efforts fell short during the temporary ceasefire. Moreover, there is a possibility that more vessels, particularly smaller ones, are stranded along with the large vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, but they remain unaccounted for. 

According to the reports received by the UN Human Rights Office, a few shipowners left their crews without food, water, fuel, electricity, medical care, communication facilities, repatriation support or salary payment. Since the war in the Persian Gulf began in late February, approximately nine ships carrying 93 crew members were abandoned at Iranian ports.

The situation has raised serious humanitarian and labour rights concerns. Lack of essential needs and supplies, prolonged isolation and exposure to military zones continue to threaten the physical well-being of the crew members. Since the start of this conflict, around 17 seafarers have been killed as per reports. 

Turk urged states, shipowners and parties to the conflict to provide essential services, consular assistance, safe passage, evacuation and repatriation to the seafarers. The UN also reminded the parties to the conflict that civilian vessels are protected under international law and attacks on them are prohibited. The UN also raised concerns over the attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov. Four verified attacks in Ukraine’s Odesa region reportedly killed or injured 34 vessel workers, while another attack in the Sea of Azov killed one worker.

The UN emphasized that seafarers must not be forced to enter conflict zones or punished for refusing dangerous work. Their rights to life, safe working conditions, health, fair wages and freedom to choose their work must be protected. 

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Glossary

• Abandoned – to cause to remain behind. 

• Humanitarian – having or showing a concern for the welfare of others

• Prolonged – to make longer. 

• Repatriation – to bring, send, or put back to a former or proper place

• Seafarers – one who operates or navigates a seagoing vessel 

• Stranded – to cause to remain behind 

• Unaccounted – absent, missing, or left out. 

•  Vessels – a large craft for travel by water, a large ship. 

• Vicinity – a surrounding area or state of being near. 

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References 

1. https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-briefing-notes/2026/07/stranded-hormuz-seafarers-abandoned-months-sea 

2. https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260724-un-urges-evacuation-of-6-000-sailors-stranded-in-hormuz-strait 

3. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/un-rights-chief-urges-action-as-thousands-of-seafarers-remain-stranded-in-strait-of-hormuz/4008208 

4. https://www.bbc.com/news/world/middle_east 

5. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/7/13/us-and-iran-trade-strikes-as-ceasefire-comes-under-growing-strain 

6. https://www.channelstv.com/2026/07/24/un-urges-evacuation-of-6000-sailors-stranded-in-hormuz-strait/