Statement by Klemen Ponikvar, Political Coordinator of the Republic of Slovenia to the United Nations, at the Arria-formula meeting on Maritime Safety and Security: Protection of Seafarers

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I would also like to thank the co-organizers of this event, the co-sponsors of this event as well as briefers for their very important contributions.

Slovenia is a coastal and maritime state and as such a committed member of different regional and international organizations, including the International Maritime Organization. Slovenia attaches utmost importance to the safety, dignity, and welfare of the people who work at sea, the seafarers whose daily efforts sustain the global economy. Protecting seafarers is not only a legal duty but also an all round strategic imperative.

Following today’s valuable briefings, Slovenia highlights four priority areas that require continued attention and stronger international cooperation.

First, threats to the lives and safety of seafarers, from piracy and armed attacks on commercial vessels to operations in or near conflict zones, have far-reaching implications for international peace and security. Such attacks jeopardize freedom of navigation, maritime security and disrupt global supply chains. For States dependent on uninterrupted maritime routes, ensuring the protection of these professionals directly supports stability and helps preserve a maritime order firmly anchored in international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Second, challenges related to maritime labor persist. Too many seafarers continue to face situations that no person should encounter in their workplace: abandonment, unsafe working conditions, substandard vessels, and the risk of unfair criminalization. These issues underline the need for stronger enforcement by flag and port States. Slovenia welcomes the ongoing work of the IMO and ILO and supports the development of practical mechanisms to provide timely assistance, repatriation, and welfare support to affected seafarers. Ensuring that every person at sea enjoys safe, fair, and humane working conditions must remain a shared global priority.

Third, the maritime sector continues to see the underrepresentation of women. Gender-based discrimination, unequal opportunities, and concerns about safety and harassment hinder women’s participation in seafaring professions. Slovenia underscores the value of a more inclusive maritime workforce: safer, more resilient, and more innovative. Although the number of women serving on commercial vessels or holding senior maritime positions remains relatively small in the Slovenian context, they are present, and we take great pride in their contributions. Slovenia actively promotes gender-sensitive training and recruitment, improved shipboard conditions, and policies that enable and encourage women as seafarers and maritime professionals to pursue meaningful and fulfilling careers.

Fourth, the Maritime Labor Convention has been crucial in improving seafarers’ working and living conditions worldwide. The 2025 amendments, which will enter into force in 2027, mark a significant step forward, particularly in recognizing seafarers as key workers and enhancing repatriation, mobility, and welfare measures. Slovenia encourages all States to implement these standards consistently and to continue strengthening this vital global framework, so that every person serving at sea is protected by robust and enforceable rights.

Madam Chair,

Cooperation at all levels is essential. We commend the work of the Joint IMO – ILO Tripartite Working Group and support closer coordination among maritime, labor, and security authorities, alongside the ongoing exchange of best practices. By working together across institutions and regions, we can create safer and more dignified conditions for all people working at sea.

Seafarers are essential to the prosperity and well-being of our nations and deserve our full support.

In closing, Madam Chair, Slovenia reiterates its unwavering commitment to a maritime domain that is safe, secure, and governed by international law, as enshrined in UNCLOS, ensuring that seafarers, regardless of nationality or gender, can carry out their vital duties with dignity, safety, and fairness.

I thank you.

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