Manama:MP Zainab Abdulameer took part in the Committee to Promote Respect for International Humanitarian Law meeting during the 153rd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tanzania.
According to Bahrain News Agency, MP Abdulameer urged member states to support Bahrain's emergency proposal to ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the flow of international trade through maritime routes and straits in line with international law.
She highlighted that Bahrain's initiative reflects the understanding that maritime security is a global issue impacting international trade, global economy, energy, food security, and supply chains, beyond just regional concerns. Developments affecting maritime routes, like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al Mandab, were noted as key areas needing international protection from conflicts and political tensions.
MP Abdulameer stressed the global repercussions of maritime insecurity, such as increased costs for consumers, farmers, and developing economies, which face higher import bills and financial pressures. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) identified 61 vulnerable economies at risk from oil and grain import shocks, underscoring the urgency of safeguarding maritime routes.
She warned that disruptions to navigation could lead to increased prices for fuel, food, and commodities, impacting production and supply chains worldwide. The protection of maritime routes is vital for maintaining global economic stability, according to Abdulameer, who reiterated that freedom of navigation must remain secure to support international trade and development.
Abdulameer concluded with a call for expanded international and parliamentary responsibility to reinforce adherence to international law and prevent further escalation of maritime crises. She emphasized that commercial vessels should not be targets, seafarers should not be dragged into conflicts, and essential goods like food and energy should not be leveraged as political tools.