What is sea piracy?

• Sea piracy often involves armed robbery and the taking of hostages at sea.
• Such acts of piracy are a threat to maritime activity because they endanger seafarers’ lives and the security of trade, commerce and navigation in the affected regions of the world.
• Acts of piracy also mean that the owners of vessels suffer significant financial losses.
• The United Nations has sought to repress sea piracy through international law mechanisms. It has repeatedly urged its member states to work to combat piracy and armed robbery at sea through international cooperation both globally and regionally.