Topic: International Cooperation in Combatting Piracy
Country: Sudan
Delegate Name: BJ Franovic
School: Forest Hills Central High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Sudan position papers GLIMUN 2015 committees
Despite the initial problem of sea-bearing, cut-throat pirates bullying open waters scaring any sea trade in Africa spawning in Somalia, the pirates have certainly extended their threat well past their origin. Due to our (Sudan’s) location and the fact that they share borders with nine African states, it is quite evident that we too will be affected. South Sudan had even been affected as far as Somali pirates intercepting and stealing military shipments including but not exclusive to: tanks, firearms, and ammunition. We are working hand-in-hand with several governments and governing bodies to promote growth economically and socially in Somalia to avoid the need for pirates. However, currently these techniques have been ineffective. Offering alternative jobs just forces pirates to pay higher rates to new workers– something they surely can afford. The second, non-violent tactic is increasing prison sentences, however poor and out-of-luck teenagers and young adults see the stable income of piracy to be worth the risk of death or jail time. These non-violent tactics have proven to be ineffective for third-party countries to implement and the most effective means of stopping piracy is incredibly short term and high cost– armed guards. Improving defense systems on commercial boats and naval patrol of the region has lead to a drop in piracy although it is not a solid, long term solution. Working with local governments of the region to eliminate the problem is crucial and is our end goal. Despite being in the ocean offshore, these pirates are still very clearly dependent on the lands they briefly leave behind; so due to the difficulty of attack pirates at sea, it seems our only solution is solving the problem on land.
