The expansion of Djibouti Code – which was drawn up in 2009 as a result of the Somali piracy crisis of 2008-2011 – was agreed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at a summit that took place from 10-12 January.
The scope of the code has been broadened to cover other illicit maritime activities, including human trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The organised crime referred to in the code includes arms trafficking; trafficking in narcotics and psychotropic substances; illegal trade in wildlife; crude oil theft; human trafficking and smuggling; and illegal dumping of toxic waste.
The participatory states agreed to work together, with support from IMO and other stakeholders, to “build national and regional capacity to address wider maritime security issues, as a basis for sustainable development of the maritime sector”.
The expansion will officially be known as the “Jeddah Amendment”, recognises “the important role of the “blue economy” including shipping, seafaring, fisheries and tourism in supporting sustainable economic growth, food security, employment, prosperity and stability,” a statement from the IMO said.
“But it expresses deep concern about crimes of piracy, armed robbery against ships and other illicit maritime activity, including fisheries crime, in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden.
“Such acts present grave dangers to the safety and security of persons and ships at sea and to the protection of the marine environment.”
The Jeddah Amendment to the Djibouti Code of Conduct 2017 was signed by 12 of the 17 participating States eligible to sign.
The 12 States who signed were: Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Jordan, Madagascar, Maldives, Mozambique, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania and Yemen.
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