IMO calls for UN action on Somali pirates

Created by doina. Last modified on 2005-12-06 13:07:53
Topic: Piracy

Friday, 25 November 2005

THE IMO Assembly, meeting in London this week, has passed a resolution calling for the UN Security Council to act against piracy and armed robbery against ships in waters off the coast of Somalia.

The resolution was submitted to the Assembly at the recommendation of IMO Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos following its approval, in principle, at the meeting of the IMO Council which preceded the Assembly.

The resolution condemns and deplores all acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships and appeals to all parties, which may be able to assist, to take action, within the provisions of international law, to ensure that all acts or attempted acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships are terminated forthwith; any plans for committing such acts are abandoned; and any hijacked ships are immediately and unconditionally released and that no harm is caused to seafarers serving in them.

It also authorizes the IMO Secretary-General to submit the resolution to the Secretary-General of the United Nations for consideration and any further action he may deem appropriate, including bringing the matter to the attention of the Security Council, taking into account regional co-ordination efforts.

The IMO Secretary-General is also requested to continue monitoring the situation and to report to the IMO Council on developments; to establish and maintain co-operation with the United Nations Monitoring Group on Somalia; and to consult with interested Governments and organizations to discuss providing technical assistance to Somalia and nearby coastal States to address the problem.

According to an IMO statement: “The resolution respects fully the sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdiction and territorial integrity of Somalia and the relevant provisions of international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”

Governments are “strongly urged to increase their efforts to prevent and suppress acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships and, in particular, to co-operate with other Governments and international organizations in relation to acts occurring or likely to occur in the waters off the coast of Somalia”. The resolution list several practical measures flag states should take including issuing advice and guidance on any measures or actions they may need to take when they are under attack, or threat of attack, whilst sailing in waters off the coast of Somalia.