Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at the United Nations Security Council Open Debate on Maritime Security - August 11th, 2025

Brazil congratulates Panama on assuming the Council presidency and for convening this debate on maritime security. We also thank the briefers for their valuable insights. With one of the world`s longest coastlines, Brazil`s history, economy and identity are deeply tied to the oceans. Guaranteeing a safe, open maritime space, with governance based on international law, with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea at its centre, is therefore a core national interest. That space, however, faces mounting pressure. Piracy,

armed robbery, transnational crime, trafficking in arms and narcotics, and migrant smuggling are converging threats to maritime security. And they are being amplified by the malicious use of new technologies. Coastal communities whose livelihoods depend on the sea suffer the consequences of criminal activities, pollution and resource depletion. These problems are particularly severe in areas such as the Red Sea, the Gulf of Guinea and along Haiti's coast, whose maritime security has been compromised by gang violence, arms and drug trafficking and lack of resources for maritime law enforcement.

As we have repeatedly pointed out in this council, there is a direct relation between peace and economic and social development. Addressing the root causes of maritime crime, investing in productive capacities and combating poverty, hunger and underdevelopment are as

essential to addressing the issue as security considerations. Brazil sees three urgent priorities in this area: First, unwavering respect for international law and the law of the sea. States must meet their obligations under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, most of which are part of customary international law. Second, practical cooperation and capacity-building. Effective maritime domain awareness relies on real-time information sharing, interoperable surveillance tools and the responsible integration of emerging technologies. Brazil is ready to deepen partnerships through the South Atlantic Zone of Peace and Cooperation (ZOPACAS), and through long-standing support to the navies and coast guards of the Gulf of Guinea. Brazil believes that the principles and values

enshrined under ZOPACAS, which establishes the south Atlantic as a zone of peace, free of weapons of mass destruction and preserved from foreign geopolitical disputes, send a relevant message to today's world. This message will be reinforced in 2026, when Brazil will host the ninth ministerial meeting, to celebrate 40 years of ZOPACAS. We call on all countries, particularly in this council, to comply with the relevant provisions of the ZOPACAS ' UNGA resolutions, thus contributing to the peace, security and development of the south Atlantic and globally. Third, we need a comprehensive approach that links security to sustainable maritime practices. Protecting critical undersea and port infrastructure, strengthening port resilience, enhancing digital skills and countering cyber-threats are mutually reinforcing steps.

Mr. President,

Oceans governed by law and cooperation are essential for international peace and security, and prosperity. Brazil therefore urges all member states to renew their commitments to the Law of the Sea and the cooperative ethos it embodies.

Thank you.