Piracy 'jure gentium': resurgence of the old problem as a new challenge in international maritime law

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Periodical article

Title:	Piracy 'jure gentium': resurgence of the old problem as a new challenge in international maritime law
Author:	Olagunju, Gbadebo A.
Year:	2011
Periodical:	Journal of African and international law (ISSN 1821-620X)
Volume:	4
Issue:	2
Pages:	309-325
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	Nigeria Somalia
Subjects:	piracy international law of the sea
Abstract:	Worldwide statistics show that piracy has been on the increase, especially since 2003. Notorious hotspots of piracy include Somalia and Nigeria. This article examines the reasons for the increasing occurrence of piracy and what international law can do to curb the practice. Among the reasons for increasing piracy are the poverty level and political instability in the areas where it occurs. The article outlines the work of the International Maritime Bureau and the international legal framework to combat piracy, notably the UN Law of the Sea Convention of 1982, with a focus on the case of Somalia. It argues that in areas such as Somalia and the Niger delta, where piracy is rampant due to a breakdown of law and order, the international community can help broker a truce before the problem degenerates. Notes, ref. [ASC Leiden abstract]