Tag: UN

Oceans, seas and coastal areas cover the vast majority of our planet’s surface, as two-thirds of the planet is water. Oceans are a life-giving force considering the fact that our drinking water, weather, climate, food, and oxygen, are driven by the sea. For this reason, it is of vital importance to protect the seas through enhanced ocean conservation and sustainable practices.

The International Organization for Migration, the UN Migration Agency, reported that 8,956 migrants and refugees have entered Europe by sea through 27 February, marking a 12% decrease from the 10,243 arriving the same period last year. Deaths on the Mediterranean Sea reached 224, which is one half the 439 deaths that took place the same period in 2018. 

This year's theme 'Life below water: For People and Planet,'  aims to recognize the importance of a healthy ocean to human well-being and prosperity, and commit to a sea change in how we manage responsibly its precious and priceless resources, Achim Steiner, Administrator of United Nations Development Programme, said.

Increased diversity awareness and empowerment of women in the maritime world is gaining ground lately with relevant events being held and interesting issues toping their agendas. On top of that, the theme of World Maritime Day 2019 is dedicated to empowering women in the maritime community.

The International Court of Justice announced on February 25, that by 13 votes to 1 is of the opinion that the process of decolonization of Mauritius was not lawfully completed when that country acceded to independence in 1968, following the separation of the Chagos Archipelago. Thus, the population was wrongfully forced to leave in the 1970s.

Four United Nations human rights officials have strongly criticised the British Government's scheme governing protection and labour rights for migrant fishermen from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). The letter focuses on modern forms of racism, slavery and on trafficking in persons.

The 'FlipFlopi' boat, is a 9-metre-long dhow, voyaging south along East Africa’s coast to raise awareness of the challenges plastics pose to the ocean, chief boat-builder and captain Ali Skanda stated. The marine ecosystem and the ocean has been crucially affected by the plastic debris and the boat aims to alert and wake up the locals on how they handle and dispose the waste.

UN Refugee Agency published a report according to which apporximately 2.275 people died or went missing in attempts to cross the Mediterranean in 2018, despite an important decrease in arrivals reaching European shores. Overall, 139.300 refugees and migrants arrived in Europe, marking the lowest number in five years. The latest 'Desperate Journeys' report, released by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, says six lives were lost on average every day.

Overall, in all business sectors, organizations develop sustainable business aiming at improving their social conscience and environmental responsibility, well beyond the financial. Do you wonder which the key areas of focus are toward an even more sustainable shipping industry in the future?

Libya's East and West authorities have formally united for the construction of North Africa’s automated and largest deep-sea ports near the city of Susah in Libya. Specifically, the Port of Susah, a major international trans-shipment hub container port, will be a crossroad in North Africa for mainline cargo vessels traveling to and from Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal, as well as to and from the United States.