The Free Seafarers' Union (SLN) appeals to the United Nations (UN), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Labor Organization (ILO) and all states involved to take urgent measures to guarantee the safety of civil navigation and protect seafarers in conflict zones.

'Seafarers are victims of wars they did not choose, they are not combatants! The tragic events of the last few days in the Black Sea, as a result of which 9 sailors lost their lives and three others were injured, are further proof that wars also affect those who have no connection with them. Merchant shipping sailors do not participate in armed conflicts. They transport food, medicine, raw materials and essential goods for millions of people. However, they end up working in risk areas, exposed to attacks, without their fault being other than that of carrying out their profession,' a Facebook post by the Free Union of Sailors reads.

SLN condemns any attack on merchant ships and expresses its deep solidarity with the families of sailors who lost their lives and with those injured.

'While the world views conflicts through the scope of political and military interests, we must not forget that, at sea, civilian seafarers are often on the front lines. They continue to ensure the functioning of world trade, assuming risks that no one should be forced to accept.
(...) The lives of seafarers cannot be considered a collateral cost of war. They do not fight wars. They keep the world moving. Respect. Protection. Safety for all seafarers,' the post also reads. AGERPRES(RO - writing by: Cristian Anghelache; EN - writing by: Bogdan Gabaroi)

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