On 10 December 2009, director of HCSS Rob de Wijk spoke at a conference of the International Criminal Law Network, entitled New International Instruments in Fighting Piracy: Legal, Military and Policy Perspectives.
Since the recent developments in the Gulf of Aden, Somalia, there is a renewed concern worldwide over the threat of piracy in trade routes and waterways around the world. In doing so, this discussion will help to evaluate current approaches to the problem of piracy, and moreover, to establish a solution-orientated way of thinking. By bringing together professionals, policymakers and stakeholders, this conference aims to discuss both short-term solutions as well as longer term policy proposals for which an internationally streamlined response is essential. The fact that several countries have suggested creating an international court to try pirates for instance, is a good example of the willingness to search for an international and joint solution. However, for now procedures vary greatly between countries as to what they do with the pirates they capture. This disparity in addressing one aspect of piracy is exemplary for the various solutions that are put forward by national and international stakeholders. Therefore, the main purpose of this conference is to promote a solution-orientated discussion on an international level.