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Piracy

Piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden is a problem facing the entire international community and it continues to disrupt trade throughout the region.

Since 2008 there has been a significant increase in the number of attacks. It is clear that the root of piracy is instability in Somalia, and that the solution lies on land.

We have a leading role within the international community's approach to tackling piracy which can only be achieved through a comprehensive approach including the provision of humanitarian, security and development assistance.

Royal Navy involvement

The Royal Navy is actively countering piracy around the Horn of Africa and is playing a leading role in international efforts to do so. It is at the forefront of the EU’s first naval operation, Operation Atalanta, providing the Operation Commander and the Operation Headquarters at Northwood.

The Royal Navy is also commanding the Standing NATO Maritime Group from HMS Cornwall and providing ships to the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) conducting maritime security operations in the region.

International response

The UK and EU are at the forefront of the international response to piracy. Whether it is through legal arrangements for the prosecution of detainees in Kenya and other regional nations, involvement in the Contact Group on Piracy of the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) or co-chairmanship of the military coordination mechanism known as the Shared Awareness and Deconfliction Meeting (SHADE). SHADE allows the EU, NATO and CMF to work together with other international partners.

New York Declaration

Representatives from the USA, Japan, Cyprus, Singapore, and the UK signed the New York Declaration, a commitment to best management practices to avoid, deter or delay acts of piracy. The Declaration was signed on the eve of the fourth plenary session of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, held at the UN headquarters on 10 September 2009.
 
Read the New York Declaration [PDF, 45KB]

Prosecution of pirates

Imprisoned suspected pirates (getty images)More than 80 suspected pirates have been apprehended by UK and EU warships in the last few months and they are currently being processed through the Kenyan legal system.

The warships and maritime patrol aircraft are fully engaged in protecting merchant ships, disrupting pirate activity, pursuing suspects and helping regional nations improve their own capacity to deal with the problem.

European response

EU Operation Atalanta is a counter-piracy operation off the coast of Somalia.

International response

More information on the groups and organisations working against piracy.

Prisoners

The UK has an agreement with Kenya to enable apprehended pirates to be prosecuted regionally.

OCIMF: Piracy - The East Africa/Somalia Situation

Practical guide for setting out the basics of actions that should be considered by all vessels preparing for and carrying out a transit through the high risk area

Frequently asked questions

Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Piracy

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