ITF backs proposal to address piracy
Proposal to go to UN Security council will allow ships to enter Somali waters to deal with pirates

 

The ITF is supporting moves to address incidences of piracy and armed robbery that have plagued vessels sailing off the coast of Somalia.

The ITF has lent its full backing to a proposal to take the issue of piracy and armed robbery close to the Somali coast to the UN Security Council.

The proposal, made by the IMO Secretary-General, was endorsed by the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which met for its 98th session from 25 - 29 June in London, UK. It is hoped that this will lead to a request to the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia to take action to prevent piracy and armed robbery. This includes allowing ships to enter its territorial waters when they are attempting to deal with acts of piracy or armed robbery, which are putting the safety of crewmembers at risk.

The proposal particularly refers to vessels bringing humanitarian aid to Somalia.

Renewed attacks on ships - including those carrying humanitarian aid through the World Food Programme - have been prompted by recent instability in Somalia, with a rising number of reported incidents.

Jon Whitlow, ITF Seafarers’ Section Secretary, commented: “The ITF welcomes the IMO’s initiative and we supported it at the IMO Council. It is to be hoped that urgent action will result and that seafarers will no longer subject to such attacks and held hostage against the payment of a ransom.”