{"id":20785,"date":"2026-04-28T11:10:59","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T10:10:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maritimafrica.com\/en\/?p=20785"},"modified":"2026-04-28T11:10:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T10:10:59","slug":"freedom-of-navigation-is-not-negotiable-imo-addresses-un-security-council-on-maritime-safety-in-the-strait-of-hormuz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maritimafrica.com\/en\/freedom-of-navigation-is-not-negotiable-imo-addresses-un-security-council-on-maritime-safety-in-the-strait-of-hormuz\/","title":{"rendered":"“Freedom of navigation is not negotiable”: IMO addresses UN Security Council on maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz"},"content":{"rendered":"
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IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez has called on States to uphold the principle of freedom of navigation and reject any imposition of tolls, fees or discriminatory transit measures for passage through straits used for international navigation.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Addressing the UN Security Council on the topic of ‘The safety and protection of waterways in the maritime domain, he emphasized:<\/p>\n

“The principle of freedom of navigation is not negotiable. Ships must be allowed to trade worldwide unhindered and in accordance with international law.”<\/p>\n

Any deviation from these well-established and recognized principles would set a negative precedent and severely undermine the integrity and stability of shipping operations worldwide, he added.<\/p>\n

He urged States to support the IMO\u2019s plan to facilitate the evacuation of affected seafarers and, at the appropriate time, to assist with the clearance of any hazards to the commercial ships navigating in the Strait of Hormuz, including mines.<\/p>\n

Read his full statement is below:<\/p>\n

UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Safety and Protection of Waterways in the Maritime Domain\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Agenda item \u201cMaintenance of international peace and security\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Keynote Remarks by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez<\/strong><\/p>\n

Monday, 27 April 2026 at 4 p.m. (11 a.m. NY time)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thank you, Mr. President, and distinguished members of the United Nations Security Council.<\/em><\/p>\n

Since the 1980\u2019s, IMO has been addressing maritime security in the shipping and port sector and has in place the relevant mandatory standards to enhance global maritime security. Our regulatory process is constantly evolving to adapt to any new threats and make use of our experience and expertise.<\/em><\/p>\n

The geopolitical conflict around the Strait of Hormuz is having a very negative effect on seafarers and shipping, and on the global population and economy. Approximately, 20,000 innocent seafarers and nearly 2,000 vessels remained trapped in the Persian Gulf. Any disruption to shipping represents a global interference to energy and food security.<\/em><\/p>\n

The principle of freedom of navigation is not negotiable. Ships must be allowed to trade worldwide unhindered and in accordance with international law.<\/em><\/p>\n

In accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and customary international law:<\/em><\/p>\n