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176819
Wed, 04/20/2011 - 14:23
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UAE donates US$1 million to the UN's international Counter-Piracy Trust Fund
Abu Dhabi, April 20, 2011 (WAM) - In the fight against maritime piracy, the UAE has donated US$1 million to United Nations' international Counter-Piracy Trust Fund.
"I am therefore very happy to be able here to announce that the United Arab Emirates is pledging one million US dollars to contribute to the work of the Trust Fund. This pledge will allow the Trust Fund's important work - especially in the areas of support to the rule of law and of development assistance", said H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed was addressing the UAE-UN public-private donors conference, here yesterday, on the sidelines of the first high-level public-private counter-piracy conference in this region.
He underlined that it is also a transformative moment in public and private cooperation in the international counter-piracy effort. "For the first time in the history of the Trust Fund, significant contributions from industry. And it is a transformative moment in the number of new players it welcomes into our collective response." Sheikh Abdullah said that the UAE has been a long-standing and active member of the international Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, indicating that the Contact Group is one of the main forums for concerned states and representatives of industry to come together. To monitor, report on, and enhance the international fight against piracy.
The UAE has a comprehensive national counter-piracy strategy, he continued, adding that "We pursue a robust military response through commitment to bringing apprehended pirates to justice, and adopt far-reaching aid and development partnerships with a number of states in this region, on a bilateral basis and through our numerous development agencies." He noted that this national strategy must be complemented by a fully-resourced international dimension, adding that the Trust Fund of the Contact Group has assisted these efforts by carrying out projects in regional capacity building; in supporting the prosecution, trial and detention of convicted pirates; and in funding projects that encourage the development of alternative economic activities in piracy affected territories.
The total of contributions during the session were about US$4.67 million, including the UAE's US$1 million donation. Meanwhile, the Netherlands donated US$400, 000, France US$500, 000, Norway US$750, 000, Belgium 150, 000, Dubai Ports US$100, 000, besides allocation of US$400, 000 to implement the development projects of Dubai World Ports in the areas of operation. Abu Dhabi Ports Company donated US$200, 000, E Marine Company US$100, 000, Philippines US$25, 000, besides Manila's contribution in the Navy Forces.
Reem al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State, welcomed the Joint UAE-UN Pledging Session in Support of the Trust Fund to Support Initiatives of States to Counter Piracy off the Coast of Somalia. "Agreeing to host this UAE-UN session on the margins of its conference is just one component of its comprehensive national counter-piracy strategy. As a part of this strategy, the UAE has committed to bringing key issues that threaten the region - such as maritime piracy - to the top of the agenda in international forums", she added.
The threat from maritime piracy, as put by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign, she continued, "represents one of the most uniquely challenging threats of the twenty first century." The UAE minister indicated it requires a comprehensive, and multi-faceted response led a by all concerned stakeholders. "Yesterday, we heard a number of statements that reflect the extensive work already being carried out by the armed forces of a number of States contributing military forces to an international naval counter-piracy response, by industry supporting the implementation of best management practices to protect ships at sea, and by both states and industry supporting the development of capacity building and the development of alternative economic livelihoods in those states most affected by maritime piracy." But despite this comprehensive international response, she said, there has been a rise in the number of attacks in the first months of 2011. Pirates have upgraded and modernised their tactics, making use of sophisticated technology. A far greater area is now under-threat from attack. And attacks themselves have been marked by an increasing resort to violence.
She indicated that with this increasing threat, all stakeholders have suffered hugely from the growing cost of maritime piracy - from the States which contribute forces to the international naval response; to maritime industry facing higher than ever insurance fees.
"However, we must not deceive ourselves with figures: states and industry also bear the un-quantifiable commitment made by the men and women - both civilian and military- whose lives are put at risk as a result of pirate attacks at sea. But even this does not take into account the un-estimable costs of the damage caused by maritime piracy on countries in the region", al- Hashimy added.
She noted that none has suffered so much as Somalia, adding that Somalia faces the threat of an extreme humanitarian crisis. Some 2.4 million people, or 32 per cent of the population, require food aid. Malnutrition rates among children have risen to shocking levels. And chronic instability in large parts of the country have left its citizens struggling to make ends meet, with human development at a concerning low.
Al-Hashimy said the international Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia has been one of the main forums in which states and industry can come together to share information and experiences, and to ensure a fully-joined up response to maritime piracy.
She added that the UN Trust Fund to support counter-piracy initiatives of the Contact Group has been a central international financing mechanism to make strategic investments in this comprehensive and public-private response. "Like our national counter-piracy strategies, it has made investments at a number of levels: in the legal sphere, supporting the running of trials within the region - including in Kenya and the Seychelles, as well as in the regions of Somalia - to ensure that apprehended pirates are tried under applicable law".
Al-Hashimy said that the UAE can be the platform through which these activities can be re-launched, and reinvigorated. The UAE-UN joint pledging session is a transformative moment in bringing for the first time industry commitments to a comprehensive international counter-piracy strategy.
"It is transformative in bringing new and non-traditional donors to enter into the global fight against maritime piracy. But more importantly, I believe the legacy of this session ‘on the ground' - or ‘on the seas' - will be the most important transformation: By ensuring a fully-resourced international approach to comprehensively eradicate both piracy and its root causes, both conditions and prospects will quickly begin to change", she added.
The UAE minister said the return on the investments made today will take the form of peace, security and prosperity. And these returns will be shared by all. Not just in the region, but by stakeholders throughout the international community and the world.
UN Special Envoy to UN, Augustine Mahiga hailed the UAE efforts on securing the coasts in the region, especially the Somali coasts. He added that the move reflects the UAE commitment to combating the piracy, citing that the UN trust fund to counter-piracy was set up to support the purpose.
"We have set measures to tackle the piracy, among others, extradition of those involved in the piracy", he added, calling for commitment to support the fund by the countries and concerned cargo companies.
Jack Lang, former Special Adviser to the Secretary General for Legal issues related to piracy off the Coast of Somalia, thanked Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and DP World, for convening this excellent conference and this fund-raising event so soon after the adoption last Monday of the Security Council resolution number 1976, which endorsed the recommendations he submitted.
He added that the Security Council resolution number 1976 opens a new phase of action and draws up a roadmap for the international community.
"Piracy has devastating social consequences. It contributes to the destabilisation of Somalia and the region, "he added, indicating that Somalia is the source and the first victim of piracy. To eradicate the scourge, "we have to target the root causes." "My plan is to build up governance and rule of law", Lang continued, the Kampala process has shown that the fight against piracy can be a means for a concerted action of all Somali authorities. "We have to go further on this track, while continuing to support the regional states." For his part, DP World Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, announced the contribution of $400, 000 to the development infrastructure projects in African countries.
Norwegian Ambassador to UAE Ase Elin Bjerke praised the UAE for convention of the conference, stressing the need for concerted efforts to combat the piracy.
Saudi State Minister Mohammed Ibrahim Al Ghail, expressed his concerns about negative effects of piracy on the navigation, trade and cargo transport, stressing the need for joint cooperation in the light of the UN Security Council resolutions and respect on the sovereignty of the States over their regional waters. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
"I am therefore very happy to be able here to announce that the United Arab Emirates is pledging one million US dollars to contribute to the work of the Trust Fund. This pledge will allow the Trust Fund's important work - especially in the areas of support to the rule of law and of development assistance", said H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed was addressing the UAE-UN public-private donors conference, here yesterday, on the sidelines of the first high-level public-private counter-piracy conference in this region.
He underlined that it is also a transformative moment in public and private cooperation in the international counter-piracy effort. "For the first time in the history of the Trust Fund, significant contributions from industry. And it is a transformative moment in the number of new players it welcomes into our collective response." Sheikh Abdullah said that the UAE has been a long-standing and active member of the international Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, indicating that the Contact Group is one of the main forums for concerned states and representatives of industry to come together. To monitor, report on, and enhance the international fight against piracy.
The UAE has a comprehensive national counter-piracy strategy, he continued, adding that "We pursue a robust military response through commitment to bringing apprehended pirates to justice, and adopt far-reaching aid and development partnerships with a number of states in this region, on a bilateral basis and through our numerous development agencies." He noted that this national strategy must be complemented by a fully-resourced international dimension, adding that the Trust Fund of the Contact Group has assisted these efforts by carrying out projects in regional capacity building; in supporting the prosecution, trial and detention of convicted pirates; and in funding projects that encourage the development of alternative economic activities in piracy affected territories.
The total of contributions during the session were about US$4.67 million, including the UAE's US$1 million donation. Meanwhile, the Netherlands donated US$400, 000, France US$500, 000, Norway US$750, 000, Belgium 150, 000, Dubai Ports US$100, 000, besides allocation of US$400, 000 to implement the development projects of Dubai World Ports in the areas of operation. Abu Dhabi Ports Company donated US$200, 000, E Marine Company US$100, 000, Philippines US$25, 000, besides Manila's contribution in the Navy Forces.
Reem al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State, welcomed the Joint UAE-UN Pledging Session in Support of the Trust Fund to Support Initiatives of States to Counter Piracy off the Coast of Somalia. "Agreeing to host this UAE-UN session on the margins of its conference is just one component of its comprehensive national counter-piracy strategy. As a part of this strategy, the UAE has committed to bringing key issues that threaten the region - such as maritime piracy - to the top of the agenda in international forums", she added.
The threat from maritime piracy, as put by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign, she continued, "represents one of the most uniquely challenging threats of the twenty first century." The UAE minister indicated it requires a comprehensive, and multi-faceted response led a by all concerned stakeholders. "Yesterday, we heard a number of statements that reflect the extensive work already being carried out by the armed forces of a number of States contributing military forces to an international naval counter-piracy response, by industry supporting the implementation of best management practices to protect ships at sea, and by both states and industry supporting the development of capacity building and the development of alternative economic livelihoods in those states most affected by maritime piracy." But despite this comprehensive international response, she said, there has been a rise in the number of attacks in the first months of 2011. Pirates have upgraded and modernised their tactics, making use of sophisticated technology. A far greater area is now under-threat from attack. And attacks themselves have been marked by an increasing resort to violence.
She indicated that with this increasing threat, all stakeholders have suffered hugely from the growing cost of maritime piracy - from the States which contribute forces to the international naval response; to maritime industry facing higher than ever insurance fees.
"However, we must not deceive ourselves with figures: states and industry also bear the un-quantifiable commitment made by the men and women - both civilian and military- whose lives are put at risk as a result of pirate attacks at sea. But even this does not take into account the un-estimable costs of the damage caused by maritime piracy on countries in the region", al- Hashimy added.
She noted that none has suffered so much as Somalia, adding that Somalia faces the threat of an extreme humanitarian crisis. Some 2.4 million people, or 32 per cent of the population, require food aid. Malnutrition rates among children have risen to shocking levels. And chronic instability in large parts of the country have left its citizens struggling to make ends meet, with human development at a concerning low.
Al-Hashimy said the international Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia has been one of the main forums in which states and industry can come together to share information and experiences, and to ensure a fully-joined up response to maritime piracy.
She added that the UN Trust Fund to support counter-piracy initiatives of the Contact Group has been a central international financing mechanism to make strategic investments in this comprehensive and public-private response. "Like our national counter-piracy strategies, it has made investments at a number of levels: in the legal sphere, supporting the running of trials within the region - including in Kenya and the Seychelles, as well as in the regions of Somalia - to ensure that apprehended pirates are tried under applicable law".
Al-Hashimy said that the UAE can be the platform through which these activities can be re-launched, and reinvigorated. The UAE-UN joint pledging session is a transformative moment in bringing for the first time industry commitments to a comprehensive international counter-piracy strategy.
"It is transformative in bringing new and non-traditional donors to enter into the global fight against maritime piracy. But more importantly, I believe the legacy of this session ‘on the ground' - or ‘on the seas' - will be the most important transformation: By ensuring a fully-resourced international approach to comprehensively eradicate both piracy and its root causes, both conditions and prospects will quickly begin to change", she added.
The UAE minister said the return on the investments made today will take the form of peace, security and prosperity. And these returns will be shared by all. Not just in the region, but by stakeholders throughout the international community and the world.
UN Special Envoy to UN, Augustine Mahiga hailed the UAE efforts on securing the coasts in the region, especially the Somali coasts. He added that the move reflects the UAE commitment to combating the piracy, citing that the UN trust fund to counter-piracy was set up to support the purpose.
"We have set measures to tackle the piracy, among others, extradition of those involved in the piracy", he added, calling for commitment to support the fund by the countries and concerned cargo companies.
Jack Lang, former Special Adviser to the Secretary General for Legal issues related to piracy off the Coast of Somalia, thanked Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and DP World, for convening this excellent conference and this fund-raising event so soon after the adoption last Monday of the Security Council resolution number 1976, which endorsed the recommendations he submitted.
He added that the Security Council resolution number 1976 opens a new phase of action and draws up a roadmap for the international community.
"Piracy has devastating social consequences. It contributes to the destabilisation of Somalia and the region, "he added, indicating that Somalia is the source and the first victim of piracy. To eradicate the scourge, "we have to target the root causes." "My plan is to build up governance and rule of law", Lang continued, the Kampala process has shown that the fight against piracy can be a means for a concerted action of all Somali authorities. "We have to go further on this track, while continuing to support the regional states." For his part, DP World Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, announced the contribution of $400, 000 to the development infrastructure projects in African countries.
Norwegian Ambassador to UAE Ase Elin Bjerke praised the UAE for convention of the conference, stressing the need for concerted efforts to combat the piracy.
Saudi State Minister Mohammed Ibrahim Al Ghail, expressed his concerns about negative effects of piracy on the navigation, trade and cargo transport, stressing the need for joint cooperation in the light of the UN Security Council resolutions and respect on the sovereignty of the States over their regional waters. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
