UN warning: Closing the Strait of Hormuz threatens a global humanitarian crisis
The Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Jorge Moreira da Silva, warned that the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz or any disruption to shipping traffic through it could lead to a widespread humanitarian crisis globally. The UN official explained that the failure to reach an immediate solution guaranteeing the flow of fertilizers and raw materials through this vital waterway would severely damage the global agricultural sector, coinciding with the start of the current planting season, which has already begun in many regions.
The historical and geopolitical implications of closing the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important and vital waterways, connecting oil and gas producers in the Arabian Gulf to global markets. Historically, the strait has been associated with numerous geopolitical tensions that have threatened global energy security. However, the new dimensions of the current crisis extend beyond energy to directly impact global food security; nearly a third of the world's fertilizer trade passes through the strait, making it an indispensable artery for the stability of global agricultural production.
How would the closure of the Strait of Hormuz affect global food security?
Disruptions to the flow of essential raw materials for fertilizer production, such as urea, ammonia, and sulfur, have a direct and immediate impact on agricultural productivity and global hunger levels. Internationally and regionally, these disruptions lead to sharp increases in the prices of basic foodstuffs, placing immense economic pressure on importing and consuming countries and undermining international efforts to combat poverty and hunger in the most vulnerable regions.
Emergency UN mechanism to save supply chains
To address these growing risks, the UN official stated that UN Secretary-General António Guterres has established a specialized task force to develop an emergency mechanism to facilitate the transit of fertilizers and raw materials through the strait. This mechanism focuses on building trust among stakeholders through ongoing registration, coordination, monitoring, and verification processes. Da Silva emphasized that this mechanism could be operational within just seven days, provided the necessary consensus and political will are demonstrated by the countries involved.
Millions of people face the risk of food insecurity
The Executive Director concluded his warnings by noting that any delay in taking serious political steps to end the unrest in the Strait of Hormuz would coincide with critical planting seasons, potentially exacerbating the hunger crisis to an unprecedented degree. The UN estimates that some 45 million more people could face acute food insecurity if the current unrest in the Strait of Hormuz continues without urgent and sustainable solutions.
