In Message to International Maritime Organization Bravery Awards Ceremony,

Secretary-General Applauds Those Serving on Frontlines of Piracy Battle

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Bravery Awards, in London today, 23 November:

IMO Secretary-General [Efthimios] Mitropoulos,

Excellencies,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

In recent years, pirates operating from Somalia have been hijacking ships in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, and holding their crews and cargo for ransom.

Thanks to the resolve of the International Maritime Organization and the United Nations Security Council, the international community has done much to discourage such acts.

Since the start of the international naval escort system in the western Indian Ocean two years ago, not a single ship heading to Somalia with World Food Programme (WFP) aid has been attacked.

WFP has been able to scale up its operations, providing much-needed food assistance to nearly 3 million people.

The United Nations is grateful for the military support offered by Member States, and for the dedication and courage of the crews of the naval vessels carrying out this vital mission.

As we acknowledge them, let us recall, too, the victims of piracy.

Earning a living on the high seas has always been hard and often perilous.  The added trauma of kidnap is a burden that seafarers and their families should never have to bear.

Let us also recognize that this menace will not be defeated by military means alone.  We will find a solution only by addressing the broader political and security situation.

The Transitional Federal Government of Somalia remains fragile.  It needs our support.  Let us reaffirm our commitment to peace and stability in Somalia.

All States have a duty to cooperate in the repression of piracy, as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.  Several Security Council resolutions now provide a firm basis for enhanced action in this arena.

I look forward to working with the IMO and all our partners in this effort.

Thank you -- and congratulations again to all those who serve on the front lines of our shared and important battle against piracy.

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For information media • not an official record