Discurso do Representante Permanente Alterno, Embaixador Norberto Moretti, em reunião do Conselho de Segurança sobre Paz e Segurança na África (Pirataria no Golfo da Guiné) - 21 de junho de 2023 (texto em inglês)
Statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Norberto Moretti, on Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea in the Gulf of Guinea
June 21st, 2023
Madam President,
I thank our most distinguished guests for their insightful and informative briefings.
Brazil has long paid close attention to the international security implications of piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea. As a founding member of the Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic - ZOPACAS-, it is our priority to strengthen the ongoing counter-piracy efforts and to prevent the spread of piracy to other regions. In The Most Recent Ministerial Meeting Of Zopacas, Last April, Its Members Reaffirmed Their Determination To Prevent And Eliminate Piracy In The Gulf Of Guinea, In Accordance With International Law.
Maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea is one of the areas where positive results have been achieved in Africa in recent years. This is, first and foremost, an accomplishment by the states directly concerned of the region, as they bear the leadership and primary responsibility to counter piracy and armed robbery in the region. In supporting their efforts, regional cooperation and naval capacity-building - particularly in the context of the Yaoundé Architecture - remain key.
Brazil welcomes and encourages the cooperation between the States of the region and relevant African organizations with United Nations agencies, in
particular UNOWAS, UNOCA and UNODC.
Madam President,
In spite of the positive achievements and the reduction of maritime crime in recent years, there must be no room for complacency. As we approach the
10th Anniversary of the Yaoundé Architecture, the recent uptick in maritime crime, shows that the joint efforts by states and organizations must continue, otherwise hard-won gains risk being reversed.
There is a pressing need to strengthen maritime security enforcement capabilities of the states of the region. This should include cooperation and more effective accountability, under national law, for acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea ,in accordance with the relevant provisions of the 1982 united nations convention on the law of the sea.
Brazil takes this opportunity to reaffirm its full commitment to the objectives, purposes and principles enshrined in the Convention. It remains clear to us
that UNCLOS sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. This includes countering piracy and armed robbery at sea.
Madam President,
Brazil welcomes the adoption by ECCAS Heads of State and Government of a revised protocol relating to the strategy for the safety and security of vital
interests at sea and in continental waters of ECCAS member States. The protocol relating to the strategy for the development of the sustainable blue economy in Central Africa is also a very significant step.
As we have repeatedly pointed out, there is a direct relation between peace and development. This means that addressing the root causes of piracy and maritime crime, mainly through income generation, is as essential as improving security considerations. At the same time, addressing piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Gulf of Guinea, prevents disruptions to shipping, trade and transportation, and avoids the loss of much needed government revenue.
Madam President,
As a member of the Group of Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (G7 ++ FoGG) and ZOPACAS, Brazil has supported countries in the region through cooperation and joint naval operations, such as Guinex, Obangame Express and Grand African Nemo.
In this regard, Brazil has already started preparations for operation Guinex III, due to take place next August and September. It aims
at strengthening the partnership between the Brazilian navy and the navies and cost guards from Gulf of Guinea countries. The region and the world can continue to count on Brazil to help address the challenges posed by ilicit activities, as well as some of its root causes.
Thank you, Madam President.