UN Continues Fight against Somali Pirates

Expressing continued grave concern over piracy off the coast of Somalia despite a sharp decline in attacks, the United Nations Security Council has renewed authorizations for international action to fight the crime in cooperation with Somali Government authorities for another year.

Through the unanimous adoption of resolution 2184 (2014) under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Council renewed its call upon the UN States and regional organizations that had the capacity to do so to fight ongoing sea crimes by deploying naval vessels, arms and military aircraft and through seizures of boats, vessels and weapons used in the commission of those crimes.

It also continued to exempt, from the arms embargo imposed on Somalia by resolution 733 (1992), supplies of weapons and military equipment destined for the sole use of the UN States, international, regional and sub-regional organizations taking measures in line with the authorizations.

By other terms, the Council underlined the primary responsibility of Somali authorities in the fight against piracy and armed robbery off their coast, urging them to adopt the necessary legal framework.

All States were urged to adopt legislation to facilitate the prosecution of suspected pirates and to take measures to prevent the illicit financing of piracy.

Following the adoption, a representative of Somalia thanked the Council for its action, pledging his Government’s cooperation with all provisions.

Press Release; Image: UN/Amanda Voisard