UN Security Council adopts resolution on maritime security in the Red Sea

Guyana voted today in favour of the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2722 affirming that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels, in accordance with international law, must be respected.

The resolution condemns the recent attacks against commercial and merchant vessels in the Red Sea, demands the release of the Galaxy Leader vessel and its crew and seeks to safeguard the movement of food, fuel, humanitarian assistance and other essential goods in the Red Sea.

The resolution was adopted with a vote of 11 in favour, 0 against and with 4 abstentions.

Three amendments proposed by the Russian Federation were defeated. Guyana joined Algeria, China, Russian Federation and Sierra Leone in voting for one of the amendments that recognized that the conflict in Gaza, in particular, was among “conflicts contributing to regional tensions.” Unfortunately, the amendment was unsuccessful.