Ministry Statements & Speeches:
President
Maritime routes are critical enablers in our inter-connected world. The fundamental navigational rights and freedoms that underpin them are cornerstones of our collective security and prosperity; rules which benefit every country.
These rights have been violated.
The current crisis is a stark reminder of the grave security and economic impacts that result when international law is ignored and freedom of navigation is impeded.
This Council must not only be seized of the international peace and security dimensions of these issues but also take action.
New Zealand condemns in the strongest terms, Iran’s indiscriminate attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. We reject Iran’s interference with unimpeded transit passage guaranteed under international law.
Iran’s actions are having profound impacts across the globe. We are deeply concerned about impacts in the Indo-Pacific where the stability of global supply routes is essential. In the Pacific supply chain disruptions are having a significant and adverse impact on vulnerable Pacific economies.
President, you have asked what frameworks could be strengthened, and what role this Council can play.
We already have a strong legal framework in place. Unimpeded navigation through international straits is one of the most fundamental principles of international law.
All vessels and aircraft enjoy the right of unimpeded transit passage through straits used for international navigation, including the Strait of Hormuz. Transit passage cannot be suspended. The right of vessels and aircraft to transit must be respected during peacetime and times of armed conflict. The right is enshrined in UNCLOS and is customary international law.
To fulfil its UN Charter responsibility, the Council must act to uphold these principles. Resolution 2817 was an important step in this context. We welcome the resolution’s reaffirmation, together with that of the IMO Council, that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels, in accordance with international law, must be respected.
President, New Zealand was deeply disappointed that the Council was blocked from taking action on this issue earlier this month due to the use of the veto – a mechanism which continues to cripple this Council’s credibility and ability to fulfil its responsibilities.
While today the situation in the Strait of Hormuz necessarily captures our attention, our interests also go beyond the immediate. What happens, and how we respond, is relevant to other significant international straits, if free and unimpeded transit passage is not swiftly re-established.
This would have very concerning implications for us all.
We therefore call on all states to uphold international law and immediately permit unimpeded transit passage of all vessels and aircraft through the straits upon which global commerce and livelihoods rely.
Thank you.