How can Piracy be Deterred?

     Piracy in Somalia, is endemic to their citizens and offshore peoples. The piracy has been blamed on many different reasons. However, most times, the pirates blame their actions on protection of their own resources. The piracy has been blamed on over exploitation of the fisheries in the area and also illegal dumping of toxic wastes into the waters (further depleting the fish populations due to habitat destruction). Somalia has been characterized as a “failed nation” by many other countries and unable to help them. Somalians are extremely dependent on their fishing resources not only to feed their citizens but for profit. Fishing is one of the only resources they depend on to profit their economy.

            Piracy is a problem not only economically but also ethically, especially in terms of human life. Piracy has cost many fisherman, crew-members, sailors and those held hostage their lives. The problem needs to be solved in a way that can be attainable and quick. The UN needs to be a large supporter of humanitarian relief.

            One of the first solutions should be to help educate and provide knowledge to that State about how to form a government capable of supporting their people. The government also needs to learn how to cut off the piracy community. If the government can propose plans to provide for the nation in ways other than fishing, the citizens will focus less on that one resource for economic relief. The State can stop piracy at it’s root. The pirates need to come to shore for supplies and to transport their cargo. There needs to be more support on land as well as at sea. If the pirates have no way of sustaining their at sea locations, piracy can become a limited business.

            The humanitarian relief by developed countries will also be a big relief to the country while they are trying to stabilize themselves. One of the biggest problems and fears of all citizens in the country if of starvation. Once people are less worried about starving, they can focus on organizing a working government and procedures to reduce piracy. Humanitarian relief should also be provided in the form of environmental recovery. Piracy has taken a toll on the habitat of this large fishing area. It seems like the solutions need to take place hand in hand. While the citizens get back on their feet, the government organizes, the environment can take time to repair and replenish its fish stocks.

           

            Military relief can and should be provided by those countries developed enough to support the country. Even developed countries have been effected by the pirates, when their ships get attached, hijacked and hostages are taken. If films, such as “Captain Phillips” are being release in the United States, this should be a sure sign that it is time to invest more in relief not only to Somalia, but to our own citizens.

The difference between these pirates and terrorist seems to be their motive. These pirates, although committing horrible crimes, seem to be driven by the poor health of their nation. These factors, therefore, should increase the motives of developed nations to support and help Somalia. Reports show in many cases, that although ships are hijacked and ransomed, that actions on the ship are peaceful. The pirates are seeking money and relief for themselves and people because of the “failed” aspect of their own nation due to the illegal fishing and toxic contamination of their main resource. It is the duty of other countries, which also benefit from the trade routes around the African horn, to provide relief. Hopefully, in future years, Somalia can organize itself and reduce piracy problems for all.