The humanitarian situation in the Middle East continues to worsen, with growing civilian casualties, damage to infrastructure, and severe global economic impacts. The conflict is disrupting essential supply chains, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres has emphasized the urgent need to mitigate these consequences and support affected populations.
The prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz has dramatically reduced tanker traffic by over 90 per cent, limiting the flow of oil, gas, and fertilizers during a critical planting season. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that this disruption threatens agricultural production and global food security. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted that the crisis is causing the most significant humanitarian supply chain disruption since COVID-19, affecting the delivery of food, medical items, and emergency relief across the Middle East.
In response, the Secretary-General launched two key initiatives: the appointment of a Personal Envoy and the creation of a dedicated Task Force on the Strait of Hormuz. The Task Force, led by Jorge Moreira da Silva of UNOPS, will facilitate safe and reliable maritime transit for humanitarian purposes, particularly the movement of commercial fertilizers and related raw materials. It includes representatives from UNCTAD, the International Maritime Organization, and the International Chamber of Commerce, aiming to prevent a massive humanitarian crisis affecting not only the Middle East but also Africa and Asia.
The Task Force builds on prior UN mechanisms, including the Yemen Verification and Inspection Mechanism, the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and aid delivery frameworks for Gaza. Its operations will be coordinated with Member States, respecting national sovereignty and international law, with the goal of fostering confidence in diplomatic solutions and supporting broader political settlement efforts.
Jean Arnault, a veteran French diplomat, has been appointed as the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy to lead mediation efforts. With nearly four decades of experience in international diplomacy and UN missions, including recent work on Afghanistan, Arnault will engage all parties involved, assess the conflict’s humanitarian and economic impacts, and promote peace and adherence to international law.
