Recognizing the consensus expressed by 44 countries on December 19, 2023, and the UN Security Council's statement on December 1, 2023, several governments have condemned Houthi attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea. These attacks have seen a significant escalation over the past week, targeting commercial vessels with missiles, small boats, and attempted hijackings.
The joint statement warns that "ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are illegal, unacceptable, and profoundly destabilizing." The governments assert there is no lawful justification for targeting civilian shipping and naval vessels. They highlight that these actions pose a direct threat to global trade in one of the world's most critical waterways.
The statement emphasizes that nearly 15 percent of global seaborne trade passes through the Red Sea. This includes substantial portions of global grain trade, seaborne-traded oil, and liquefied natural gas. Due to these threats, international shipping companies are rerouting their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, resulting in increased costs and delays.
The message from these governments is clear: they call for an immediate end to these illegal attacks and demand the release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews. They warn that "the Houthis will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways."
These nations reaffirm their commitment to maintaining an international rules-based order and express determination to hold those responsible for unlawful seizures and attacks accountable.