Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, PR of Latvia to the United Nations at UN Security Council High-Level Open Debate on "Strengthening Maritime Security through International Cooperation for Global Stability"
New York, 20 May 2025
Mr. President,
Let me thank the Secretary-General and the briefers, as well as the Greek Presidency for their leadership.
First, allow me to align myself with the statement by the European Union and its Member States, and make additional remarks in my national capacity.
Threats to maritime security encompass many elements, from undermining safety of maritime infrastructure to attacks to international shipping, such as piracy and illicit maritime activities. However, I would like to focus on three aspects, namely, international and state responsibility, the role of flag states and private sector, and importance of marine environment.
Navigating safe, responsible and sustainable use of the world’s ocean and seas is a shared responsibility between all UN member states; small or large, coastal or landlocked, continental or island states.
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea has created a comprehensive framework regulating all ocean space. Together with other international conventions relating to maritime conduct, it forms a set of universally applicable rules governing activities in the ocean and seas. It is the duty and responsibility of all member states to respect it as part of the body of international law.
We welcome the recent BBNJ agreement creating legally binding obligations on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction and urge all stakeholders to respect internationally agreed rules and standards. We encourage UN member states to ratify the BBNJ agreement at the upcoming Third UN Ocean Conference in Nice.
Mr. President,
Maritime security is not just collective state responsibility, it is also the duty of every individual state to ensure adherence to international law and implementation of good practices at home. Generally accepted international rules and standards, devised by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), are to be respected and implemented by all states engaged in shipping and maritime activity.
Flag states have responsibility to effectively exercise their jurisdiction and control over ships flying their flag. It is in the interest of these states to prevent negligence or intentional damage committed by their vessels as a consequence of failure to comply with obligations under the law of the sea.
In order to ensure accountability and compliance, all actors must commit themselves to high standards and best practices. Governments manage ports, maritime authorities, vessel registration, coastal security and safety measures within their jurisdiction. Meanwhile, the private sector, including, owners, operators and managers, are responsible for conducting responsible and ship-shape business. That includes due diligence, obtaining insurance against accidents and spills, using tracking devices as prescribed by the IMO guidelines and generally adhering to international and national laws. We commend the intervention by briefers from private sector, since they are important partners in ensuring maritime safety and security.
Unsafe shipping practices can lead to significant risks to marine environment, ecological safety and security. Vessels ignoring basic safety standards or operating without valid insurance have a greater chance of causing catastrophic oil spills threatening irreversible danger to the environment. We call on all states to practice safe seafaring – employing seaworthy vessels equipped with appropriate technologies and valid insurance.
In conclusion, Latvia reaffirms our collective commitment to ensure global maritime safety and security for the sustainability of our ocean and seas.
I thank you!