In a recent resolution passed in London, member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UN agency overseeing global shipping, have strongly condemned the ongoing attacks on ships and seafarers in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
These attacks were deemed "illegal and unjustifiable," posing a significant threat to navigation in vital waterways and disrupting regional and global trade.
The resolution, which emerged from the 108th session of the Maritime Safety Committee held from May 15 to 24, marks the IMO's first collective response since the Galaxy Leader autoliner seizure by the Houthis in November 2023.
Subsequently, there have been approximately 50 maritime attacks, resulting in casualties among seafarers and the continued captivity of the Galaxy Leader's crew at Al Hudaydah port in Yemen.
The Committee has urgently called for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages.
The reckless actions of the Houthis were condemned for endangering lives, impeding delivery of humanitarian aid, escalating costs and destabilising the region.
The resolution advocates for peaceful dialogue and diplomatic solutions to address the crisis, urging influential parties to intervene and halt the attacks.
Additionally, all 176 IMO member states have been reminded of their obligation to uphold the UN arms embargo against the Houthis.
IMO secretary-general Arsenio Dominguez emphasised the critical role of the maritime industry in sustaining global supply chains and called for support for affected seafarers and a swift resolution to the situation.
The IMO undertook to continue monitoring developments closely, collaborating with member states and industry partners.
The resolution, adopted on May 23, advises ship operators to assess the risks posed by recent events and potential future attacks in the region when planning transit routes.
