Oceans Beyond Piracy (OBP) remains committed to three priority areas that will guide our efforts in the coming year, says a press release from the company.
First - a comprehensive solution to maritime piracy requires an inclusive, long-term approach. We believe that the transparent, cross-sector approach, demonstrated by the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, has proven successful.
This model of cooperation across sectors should be considered as part of a long term and global approach. OBP will continue to foster and encourage counter-piracy cooperation and commitment across all sectors.
Second - Seafarers and fishermen are those most affected by violence at sea. We seek increased security for them by improving incident reporting, ensuring basic training for those in high-risk areas, and ensuring post-incident support.
OBP will continue to support the work to free and repatriate the remaining hostages still being held in Somalia.
Third - Piracy and armed robbery at sea are being addressed, but are not solved. The international community must remain ready for a rapid re-engagement and response until long-term capacity building efforts can ensure regional ownership.
OBP is dedicated to proactive and objective monitoring and reporting of incidents in high threat areas to help inform this process.