United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has called on nations involved in the Middle East conflict to urgently facilitate the evacuation and repatriation of approximately 6,000 sailors currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.
The appeal highlights the growing humanitarian dimension of the shipping crisis in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
Recent Handelsavisen coverage noted that the UN is preparing a large-scale operation to evacuate roughly 11,000 sailors, backed by both Iran and the United States.
Turk emphasized that parties to the conflict must work together to secure the safe passage of maritime crews, whose vessels have been caught in the crossfire of escalating tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point for global oil markets, with disruptions threatening to tighten supply and elevate freight costs.
Recent Handelsavisen coverage noted that the UN is preparing a large-scale operation to evacuate roughly 11,000 sailors, backed by both Iran and the United States. The International Maritime Organization has confirmed that about 115 vessels and 2,500 seafarers have already been evacuated since Tuesday, marking a significant acceleration in relief efforts.
Despite these efforts, shipping risk persists.
Earlier this week, Petronas secured clearance for a second tanker to transit the strait, signaling cautious optimism among major energy firms. However, the presence of thousands of stranded sailors underscores the ongoing volatility and operational challenges facing maritime traffic in the region.