The humanitarian consequences continue to be profound and are exacerbated by the number of deaths, injuries and damage to civilian infrastructure, and the severe impacts on the global economy are increasing.
While UN efforts to support affected civilians and de-escalate the conflict continue, the Secretary-General stressed the need to take urgent action to mitigate the consequences.
cascading effect
The prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz to maritime trade is “preventing the movement of oil, gas and fertilizer at a critical moment in the global planting season,” he said. Said.
Tanker traffic has declined by more than 90 percent, according to United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO)fao), which threatens agricultural production and global food security.
“This crisis is causing the most significant global humanitarian supply chain disruption since COVID-19 And the beginning of the war in Ukraine,” United Nations Assistance Coordination Office OCHAcouple.
“Humanitarian supply lines across the Middle East are being severely disrupted, threatening the timely delivery of life-saving food, medical items and emergency relief to millions of people.”
With the conflict showing no signs of stopping, the Secretary-General announced two important initiatives this week: Appointment of an envoy to lead United Nations peacekeeping efforts and establish a dedicated workforce On the Strait of Hormuz.
Facilitating transit, averting crisis
The task force will work to ensure safe, orderly and reliable transit for humanitarian purposes through the critical sea corridor.
It will be chaired by Jorge Moreira da Silva, Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNO Project Services).UNOPS), which provides infrastructure, procurement and project management services around the world.
UN trade body representatives UNCTADThe International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the International Chamber of Commerce will also attend.
“Our focus is to facilitate the trade of commercial fertilizers and the movement of related raw materials. We stand by to support this life-saving operation,” Mr. Moreira da Silva Said In a statement posted on
“There is an urgent need to prevent a large-scale humanitarian crisis in the Middle East and beyond, including in fertilizer import-dependent Africa and Asia.”
Inspired by previous initiatives
The task force draws inspiration from other initiatives, including the United Nations Verification and Inspection Mechanism in YemenEast Black Sea Grain Initiative on exports from Ukraine, and United Nations Special Mechanism for Gaza Aid delivery is outlined Security Council resolution 2720 (2023).
“The mechanism will be operated in close consultation with the Member States concerned, with full respect for national sovereignty and the established international legal framework.” Said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric
“If successful, it will also build confidence among Member States on a diplomatic approach to the conflict and will be a valuable step towards a comprehensive political solution,” he said.
UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
File photo of Jean Arnault, former Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia.
appointed UN ambassador
The Secretary-General named veteran French diplomat Jean Arnault as his Personal Envoy to lead UN efforts on the Middle East conflict and its consequences.
He reiterated calls for the United States and Israel to stop the war and for Iran to stop attacking its neighbors, warning that the conflict is “out of control.”
“Now is the time to stop climbing the tension ladder and start climbing the diplomatic ladder, and fully respect international law,” he said.
Mr Arnault will “make every effort” to support all efforts at mediation and peace, and will remain in contact with all parties. He will examine what impact the conflict is having on the region and its civilians, both there and around the world, as well as on the global economy.
The envoy has nearly 40 years of experience in international diplomacy, particularly in the field of peaceful resolution and mediation, and has led United Nations missions in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Most recently he served as the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Afghanistan and regional issues.
