Security Council calls for long-term efforts to prosecute pirates

Aug 25, 2010, 17:41 GMT

New York - The UN Security Council urged governments on Wednesday to seek long-term solutions to the problem of prosecuting piracy on the high seas, which has increased despite counter measures involving national navies.

The council said it is of 'utmost importance' that solutions are found to help the Somali government prosecute and imprison suspected pirates who have operated off its shores in recent years. It said states and international organizations should assist Somalia's limited judicial capacity in dealing with piracy.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon reported that there have been 139 piracy-related incidents off the coast of Somalia so far this year with pirates hijacking 17 ships and currently detaining 450 sailors and passengers for ransom.

He said the international community has made concerted efforts in the past three years to combat the problem of piracy, including establishing a contact group of dozens of governments participating in the joint effort to fight piracy.

'Nonetheless, we can do more,' he said. 'In particular, we need to implement the existing legal regime, so the fight against piracy in international waters is effective.'

Ban and his legal adviser offered several options, which include an international tribunal to be set up by the 15-nation council or a Somali court that will apply Somali law.

The council has been discussing a legal mechanism to prosecute piracy that would bring substantive results. Ban said such a mechanism should have the capacity and resources to prosecute large numbers of suspects while ensure due process. A host country should be identified to lead the process.

Ban has appointed Jack Lang as a UN special adviser on legal issues related to piracy off the coast of Somalia. Lang was a former French government minister.