Statement by Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett at the Open Briefing on Maintenance of International Peace and Security – Threats to Commercial Shipping in the Red Sea

Security Council Chamber - January 3, 2024

Please permit me to extend my delegation’s congratulations and best wishes to you on France’s assumption to the Presidency of the Security Council for January. I would also like to thank ASG Khiari and Secretary General Dominguez for the updates and for sharing their assessment of the situation.

Guyana condemns in the strongest terms the recent attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. We are alarmed at the increased frequency of these attacks, which endanger international navigation and the lives of crew members. It is for this reason that we supported the call for today’s Open Briefing.

We are particularly dismayed to note that the attacks have increased since 19th November and join the international community in calling for their immediate end and for the preservation of navigational rights and freedoms of all vessels in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, in accordance with international law. We also demand the immediate release of the “Galaxy Leader” and its crew and reject all violations of international law and attacks on civilians and civilian objects, wherever they occur.

We recall the Council’s press statement of 1st December condemning the Houthi attacks against commercial vessels and share member’s concern about the potential impact of these attacks on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Mr. President,

Guyana urges the perpetrators to cease all attacks and avoid any further action that could spark an escalation in tensions and compound the already volatile situation in the Middle East. A wider regional conflagration in the present circumstances must be avoided at all costs.

We also note that the Red Sea, with its connection to the Suez Canal, is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. The importance of this route to international commerce cannot be overstated with more than 12% of global trade passing through the Red Sea every day.

Consequently, the impact of these attacks can cause severe disruptions to global trade and must be addressed immediately. The longer they’re allowed to persist, the greater the eventual cost and disruption to international maritime trade, energy security, and the global economy.

In this vein, Mr. President, we urge full compliance with the Djibouti Code of Conduct and the Jeddah Amendment. We also underline the need for all involved to act responsibly and not impede ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East or to secure a comprehensive ceasefire and an inter-Yemeni inclusive political agreement under the auspices of the United Nations.

I thank you.

- Statement delivered in the Security Council by Her Excellency Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN at the Open Briefing on Maintenance of International Peace and Security – Threats to Commercial Shipping in the Red Sea on January 3, 2024