Report on the work of the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea at its first meeting, held at United Nations Headquarters from 30 May to 2 June 2000
Part A Issues to be suggested, and elements to be proposed to the General Assembly
Issue K: How to promote the safety of marine navigation against piracy and armed robbery at sea and against the threats of such crimes
45. The great importance of the suppression of crimes of violence at sea in order to avoid endangering the lives of seafarers, and to ensure the safety of vessels and the security of coastal States.
46. Emphasis on the role of the International Maritime Organization as the leading agency to prevent, combat and eliminate piracy and armed robbery at sea. Consequently, encouragement for it to continue its series of regional seminars and emphasis on the importance of consideration of the letter from the Secretary-General of the IMO addressed to the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the growing seriousness of the problem and possible additional actions.
47. Considering that the problem needs to be seriously addressed in certain regions, an invitation to all the States concerned with piracy and armed robbery at sea in these regions, in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization and, as appropriate, the United Nations economic commissions for those regions, to consider how they could strengthen their cooperation in the fight against piracy and armed robbery at sea.
Part B Co-Chairpersons’ summary of discussions
Agenda item 3 Exchange of views on areas of concern and actions needed
Crimes at sea, especially piracy and armed robbery
37. Several delegations pointed out that crimes at sea, in particular piracy and armed robbery, represented a serious threat to the lives of seafarers, the safety of navigation and the security of coastal States, and attached great importance to the suppression of crimes at sea. Those delegations were of the opinion that IMO needed to continue to play an important role in preventing and combating such crimes and that efforts by IMO, regional organizations as well as individual States should be intensified in that respect.
