The European Union is concerned with the effect of Somali-based piracy and armed robbery at sea off the Horn of Africa and in the Western Indian Ocean. Somali piracy is characterised by criminals taking control of vessels transiting the High Risk Areas in the Region and extorting ransom money for the crew, the vessel and cargo; this bearing all features of organised crime. Crews held hostage by pirates often face a prolonged period of captivity, the average being 5 months (145 days) but some hostages have been held for more than two years and eight months (1001 days). Moreover, piracy impacts on international trade and maritime security and on the economic activities and security of countries in the region. As a result, and as part of the Comprehensive Approach to Somalia, in December 2008 the EU launched the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia – Operation Atalanta within the framework of the European Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and in accordance with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) and International Law in response to the rising levels of piracy and armed robbery off the Horn of Africa and in the Western Indian Ocean
The European External Action Service (EEAS)assists the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The EEAS is a functionally autonomous body, however, has a legal responsibility to ensure its policies are consistent with other EU bodies. The EEAS plays a crucial role in the fight against piracy off the coast of Somalia and supports the EU’s comprehensive approach the Horn of Africa, and Somalia specifically, through its programs both at sea and on land.
Under the Charter, the Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 Members, and each Member has one vote. Under the Charter, all Member States are obligated to comply with Council decisions.
he General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. Comprising all 193 Members of the United Nations, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter.
UNSOM is mandated by the UN Security Council to offer expertise in areas ranging from the political process to disarmament to help create and galvanize an environment in which stabilization and peacebuilding can proceed. The mission will support the new Federal Government – and all Somalis – in building lasting peace.
UNODC is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. In regards to piracy, the UNODC administers the UNODC Counter-Piracy Programme (CPP). The CPP focuses on fair and efficient trials and imprisonment in regional centers, humane and secure imprisonment in Somalia, and fair and efficient trials in Somalia. The efforts of UNODC and its multilateral partners have had considerable success across the criminal justice sector. The CPP assists Kenya, Seychelles, Mauritius, Tanzania, Maldives with judicial, prosecutorial and police capacity building programmes as well as office equipment, law books and specialist coast guard equipment. The CPP is assisting Somalia with upgrading its prisons and courts with the aim of ensuring that Somali pirates convicted in other countries can serve their sentences in their home country.
Dedicated to the prevention of trade finance, maritime, transport and trade fraud and malpractice, the IMB is a focal point for the international trading and shipping industry and those associated with facilitating the movement of goods. The IMB also manages the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre, which is dedicated to the suppression of piracy and armed robbery against ships.