Adedokun Waliyu 
The United Nations has called on countries involved in the Middle East conflict to urgently assist in the evacuation and repatriation of about 6,000 sailors stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, described the situation as a dire humanitarian and human rights crisis affecting thousands of seafarers trapped aboard hundreds of vessels in the strategic waterway.
According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), at least 6,000 seafarers remain stranded and have been unable to evacuate despite the ceasefire.
Speaking in Geneva, UN spokesperson Shabia Mantoo urged all parties to the conflict to facilitate the safe passage of stranded sailors, ensure they can safely disembark, and guarantee the delivery of essential supplies.
She stressed that attacks on civilian vessels are unacceptable and violate international humanitarian law.
The UN also called on governments, shipowners and other relevant stakeholders to provide consular assistance, essential supplies, and support the evacuation and repatriation of the affected seafarers.
The appeal comes after the United States carried out fresh airstrikes on Iran following attacks by Tehran-backed Houthi rebels on oil tankers in the Red Sea, escalating tensions in the region and pushing global crude oil prices above 100 dollars per barrel.
Despite the renewed hostilities, the U.S. military maintained that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for international shipping, even as Iran continues attacks on vessels using the route in an effort to force them to pay for safe passage.
