Iraq Participates in the 113th Session of the Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organization in London

The Republic of Iraq is participating in the 113th session of the Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), being held at the Organisation’s headquarters in London from 13 to 17 April 2026, with the participation of Member States and representatives of intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations.

In his opening remarks, the Secretary-General of the Organization, Mr Arsenio Dominguez, underscored the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in de-escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz region and in working towards the restoration of stability. He commended the continued support provided by Member States and relevant organisations for the benefit of innocent seafarers and to ensure the smooth flow of international maritime transport.

The Legal Committee is responsible for addressing a wide range of legal matters within the Organization’s remit, including issues of liability and compensation arising from ship operations, such as damage and pollution, passenger claims, and wreck removal. It also considers seafarers’ affairs, including ensuring their fair treatment, as well as matters relating to unlawful acts at sea that impact the safety of navigation.

Among the key items on the agenda of the current session is the consideration of a new item concerning measures aimed at preventing unlawful practices associated with the fraudulent registration of ships and the use of fictitious registries. In this regard, the Organization is working to develop guidelines and promote best practice in this field. The Organization further emphasises the importance of maintaining high-quality shipping standards to ensure compliance with the international maritime regulatory framework, amid ongoing concerns regarding the growing phenomenon of fraudulent registration and its impact on the safety and integrity of the global maritime system.

Iraq is represented at these meetings by the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the International Maritime Organization, Maritime Attaché Captain Mazin Al-Kaabi, and First Secretary Alyaa Ihsan Al-Sayegh, responsible for the International Organisations and Multilateral Relations Portfolio in the Political Section of the Embassy.