C-ES-36 - General/Agenda 1 statement on the adoption of the agenda
Thank you, Chair.
Australia condemns Iran's attacks against countries in its region, including those listed in Security Council Resolution 2817, and Iran's attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf region. These attacks are a dangerous escalation and threaten the lives of innocent seafarers, the safety of merchant shipping and the marine environment.
Australia, together with many others, joined the United Arab Emirates' request for today's extraordinary session because we cannot stand by while threats to the lives of seafarers and the safety and security of global maritime trade intensify by the day. This Council has a responsibility to act urgently and decisively.
Australia notes Russia's paper under this Item.
And Australia once again condemns Russia's unprovoked and unjustified full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
This meeting was called because we must urgently act to address threats to the lives of seafarers and the safety and security of global maritime trade.
This Council has dealt with urgent matters on short timeframes in the past. We must do so again.
C-ES-36 - General/Agenda 3 statement on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz
Thank you, Chair.
I commend the United Arab Emirates for its initiative in proposing this Emergency Session and facilitating its paper which has over 15 co-sponsors.
Australia condemns Iran's dangerous escalations in the Middle East, particularly in and around the Strait of Hormuz, its attacks against merchant vessels, and threats of further attacks.
In doing so, Iran has transformed one of the world's most critical shipping lanes into a theatre of coercion and conflict.
Any interference with vessels or vessel movements places innocent seafarers at significant risk, and threatens maritime safety and security.
Seafarer safety must remain the IMO's highest priority. Australia is gravely concerned by reports of deliberate attacks on merchant vessels that have resulted in the loss of civilian crew. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families who have lost loved ones in circumstances no seafarer should ever face.
Australia is deeply concerned that seafarers and merchant vessels remain stranded in the Persian Gulf under heightened risk and considerable mental strain.
The consequences of Iran's dangerous escalations are being felt far beyond the Gulf. This disruption has triggered severe global energy shocks, causing oil and fuel prices to surge.
In Australia, this is placing immense pressure on households, industries and supply chains.
Australia thanks Japan for its initiative in submitting a paper for the consideration of members, and in so doing, emphasising the importance of safe passage of stranded seafarers.
Australia further invites the Secretary-General to work with relevant partis of the UN system to expedite the facilitation of such arrangements.
Alongside likeminded states, Australia strongly supports the United Arab Emirates' proposal for Council to:
- condemn Iran's attacks against merchant and commercial vessels and critical civilian infrastructure, consistent with Security Council Resolution 2817;
- reaffirm freedom of navigation as fundamental to global stability and urge all States to comply with international law; and
- call for the protection of seafarers and the preservation of maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
Australia urges the IMO and the Secretary-General to continue providing timely updates on the situation. We remain committed to working closely with the Organization and Member States to support port, flag and coastal States and others who have been unwillingly drawn into this crisis.
The international community must keep working together to ensure critical waterways are not held hostage by the Iranian regime.
Australia again calls on Iran and its proxies to cease their dangerous and destabilising attacks, which put civilians and civilian infrastructure at serious risk. Further regional escalation would only deepen human suffering and destabilise the global maritime domain.
