Liberia has renewed its call for stronger international measures to protect seafarers and safeguard freedom of navigation as escalating armed conflicts continue to threaten critical global shipping routes and disrupt international trade.
Speaking on behalf of the Liberian government during the 138th Session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Liberia’s Maritime Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Cllr. Neto Zarzar Lighe Sr. expressed deep concern over persistent attacks on commercial vessels operating in some of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
Delivering Liberia’s General Statement under Agenda Item C138/11, Commissioner Lighe highlighted the growing dangers facing ships and crews in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that ongoing military operations in these regions have left thousands of vessels and seafarers exposed to significant risks.
According to the Liberian official, the continued attacks on commercial shipping are endangering innocent maritime workers, damaging vessels, disrupting international commerce, and resulting in the loss of human lives.
“Seafarers are innocent civilian professionals performing legitimate duties essential to international trade and the global economy,” the Liberian statement declared. “They must never become targets or casualties of armed conflicts and geopolitical hostilities.”
Liberia extended its deepest sympathies to the families of seafarers who have lost their lives while carrying out their professional responsibilities, emphasizing that maritime workers should not bear the consequences of political disputes or military confrontations.
The statement further reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to the principles of freedom of navigation and the right of innocent passage, as established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The government stressed that these principles remain fundamental to maintaining a stable and secure global maritime system.
Highlighting the humanitarian dimensions of the crisis, Liberia underscored that protecting seafarers is a collective international responsibility. The government urged all parties involved in ongoing conflicts to guarantee the safety, security, dignity, and humane treatment of maritime personnel operating in affected regions.
In a strong appeal for peace, Liberia called on parties engaged in hostilities to exercise maximum restraint, end violence, and pursue dialogue and diplomacy as the most viable paths toward sustainable peace and regional stability.
The government warned that prolonged conflicts are producing far-reaching consequences beyond affected regions, including disruptions to global supply chains, increased economic uncertainty, and mounting hardships for developing countries heavily dependent on international trade.
Liberia also urged authorities and entities exercising control over conflict-affected maritime corridors to ensure the safe and uninterrupted passage of commercial vessels and their crews in accordance with applicable international laws and maritime conventions.
At the same time, the government commended IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and other international partners for their continued efforts to support and protect seafarers stranded or endangered by maritime security incidents. Liberia additionally expressed appreciation to governments, maritime authorities, and institutions that have assisted Liberian-flagged vessels and their crews during times of crisis.
Concluding its statement, Liberia reaffirmed the vital role of the oceans in global development.
“The seas must remain corridors of peaceful commerce, international cooperation, and human progress, not theaters of conflict, violence, and human suffering,” the statement said.
