| Author (Corporate) | European Union: European External Action Service |
|---|---|
| Publisher | EU |
| Publication Date | 2018 |
| Content Type | Key Source, Overview |
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The European Union is concerned with the effect of Somali-based piracy and armed robbery at sea off the Horn of Africa and in the Western Indian Ocean. Somali piracy is characterised by criminals taking control of vessels transiting the High Risk Areas in the Region and extorting ransom money for the crew, the vessel and cargo; this bearing all features of organised crime. Crews held hostage by pirates often face a prolonged period of captivity, the average being 5 months (145 days) but some hostages have been held for more than two years and eight months (1001 days). Moreover, piracy impacts on international trade and maritime security and on the economic activities and security of countries in the region. As a result, and as part of the Comprehensive Approach to Somalia, in December 2008 the EU launched the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) Somalia – Operation Atalanta. EU NAVFOR operates within the framework of the European Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and in accordance with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) and International Law in response to the rising levels of piracy and armed robbery off the Horn of Africa and in the Western Indian Ocean. Operation Atalanta is the European Union’s counter-piracy operation off the coast of Somalia. |
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| Source Link | http://eunavfor.eu/ |
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| Subject Categories | Politics and International Relations |
| Countries / Regions | Africa, Europe |
