UN warns of global food crisis if Strait of Hormuz closure prolonged
via Le Matin1 min read
The UN Secretary-General has warned that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a global food crisis, pushing millions into hunger and poverty, particularly in Africa and South Asia. He noted that over 20,000 seafarers and 2,000 commercial vessels are currently trapped due to navigation risks and restrictions. The Secretary-General emphasized the importance of respecting international law and strengthening dialogue and cooperation among states, regional organizations, and maritime industry actors. The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization IMO, Arsenio Dominguez, stated that straits used for international navigation should not be closed and that no legal basis exists for a country to impose discriminatory payments or conditions in these passages. He warned that any deviation from these principles would set a harmful precedent and severely compromise the integrity and stability of maritime transport. Dominguez also mentioned that the IMO has developed an evacuation framework for stranded seafarers and ships, ready for immediate implementation. The UN reports that approximately one-fifth of global oil trade, one-fifth of liquefied natural gas, and nearly one-third of internationally traded fertilizers pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
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Must ReadMorocco's Atlas Lions begin their 2026 World Cup campaign with a high-stakes match against Brazil. The team, semi-finalists in the last World Cup, aims to prove their previous success was not a fluke. National coach Mohamed Ouahbi has focused on strengthening the team's winning culture, emphasizing respect for Brazil without fear. However, Morocco faces significant injury challenges, with Nayef Aguerd out due to persistent pubalgia, forcing a new central defense pairing likely involving Issa Diop and Chadi Riad. Abde Ezzalzouli is also absent due to a moderate knee ligament sprain, impacting the team's attacking options and set-piece expertise. Captain Achraf Hakimi is tasked with containing Vinicius Junior and initiating quick transitions to Brahim Diaz and Azzedine Ounahi, who will supply Ismael Saibari. Morocco draws confidence from a 2-1 friendly victory against Brazil in 2023. Brazil, led by Carlo Ancelotti, enters as a favorite with a strong offensive lineup, featuring the speed of Vinicius Junior and Raphinha on the wings, and a solid midfield pivot of Casemiro and Bruno Guimar茫es. Brazil's potential weakness lies in the probable absence of Neymar due to a calf injury, which would reduce their creative options. Full-backs Douglas and Danilo have also shown vulnerabilities against deep defensive blocks, an area where Brahim Diaz could exploit. The key for Brazil will be maintaining composure against Morocco's compact and disciplined defense.
The National Observatory for the Rights of the Child ONDE has launched a national campaign titled "STOP Child Labor," continuing the commitment to child protection and rights promoted by His Majesty King Mohammed VI. Child labor is a violation of fundamental children's rights, including education, protection, and development, as guaranteed by the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Morocco. Significant progress has been made, with an 8.2% reduction in child labor compared to 2023 and 59.1% compared to 2017, thanks to joint efforts by governmental and non-governmental institutions and stakeholders. Morocco is a Pioneer Country of Alliance 8.7 and hosted the 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labor in Marrakech, where ONDE actively participated. Despite progress, approximately 101,000 children aged 7 to 17 are still engaged in economic activity, representing 1.3% of this age group, according to 2024 data from the High Commission for Planning HCP. Of these, 62,000 children are exposed to dangerous work, and 87.7% have left school, making child labor a primary cause of school dropout. ONDE has produced several audiovisual capsules to raise awareness, depicting often ignored realities and encouraging reflection on individual roles in protecting children's rights. The first capsule will be broadcast starting June 12, 2026, on national channels and ONDE's digital platforms, with others following throughout June on social media. Concurrentl
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