The normative role of the International Maritime Organisation in countering Somali-based piracy

ABSTRACT At its peak in 2007–08, piracy off the coast of Somalia attracted the attention of a specialised agency of the United Nations, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), which responded by laying down the normative framework for counter-piracy operations launched by States and other collective parties such as the EU and the NATO. In creating a rubric of norms for reducing piracy off the coast of Somalia, the IMO has followed a six-pronged strategy employing an approach that is humanitarian, high level, reviewable, regional, flexible, and inclusive. The resulting norms have played a crucial role in reducing Somali-based piracy. While the levels of this piracy are currently negligible, a resurgence of this threat to maritime traffic and commerce cannot be ruled out completely. Thus, this normative framework continues to hold relevance for the future and the IMO remains an important player in maritime governance.