piracy

Somali-Based Pirates Down But Not Out

By Nora Happel
While the economic cost of Somali piracy has fallen and considerable progress has been made in deterring pirate operations, the latest attacks on Iranian fishing vessels by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean may be another signal that it is too early to cut back international counter-piracy efforts, according to a new report.
Nalindre Wakwella has been held by Somali pirates for close to two years, without any sign of release. Credit: Wakwella family and Amantha Perera/IPS

A Plea to a Pirate

By Amantha Perera
The simple sentences six-year-old Minadi writes on paper should delight her mother. Instead, Vilasini Wakwella despairs over their content.

Amid Rise in Piracy, U.N. Backs Summit on Maritime Security

By Thalif Deen
When the United Nations advocates the protection of the world's oceans, its political agenda transcends the battle against marine pollution, global warming, overfishing, greenhouse gases and sea-level rise.
Patricia O’Brien. Credit: UN Photo/Mark Garten

Q&A: U.N. Spotlights Pirates in the Malacca Strait at Expo 2012

By Isabelle de Grave
At the Yeosu World Expo 2012, the U.N. commemorated the thirtieth anniversary of the U.N. Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), highlighting efforts to quell the global scourge of piracy.