Strengthening Peacebuilding and the Regional Maritime Security Framework in the Gulf of Guinea
Check Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr. Chair,
for convening this meeting and to the briefers for their statements.
We are cognisant of the
high costs of maritime insecurity, in particular for the coastal states and
affected communities in the Gulf of Guinea. The region has come far in
advancing cooperation, and legislative frameworks are now in place in a number
of countries. As a seafaring nation highly dependent on global trade, Denmark knows
the importance of supporting freedom of navigation near and far from our own
shores. Maritime security is of global concern.
As we approach the
second decade of the Yaoundé Architecture and Code of Conduct, I would like to
highlight a few points:
A first step towards effective
prevention of maritime insecurity is to understand drivers and triggers much
better. We must understand the needs at stake and promote sustainable development,
anti-corruption, human rights, law enforcement systems, and a sustainable blue
economy. Other aspects to factor in are organised crime such as illegal oil
bunkering and illegal fishing as well as environmental degradation and the
consequences of climate change.
Secondly, maritime
crime cannot be eliminated at sea only or through security measures alone. Comprehensive,
local perspectives are essential: We should ask why people decide to engage in piracy but also how to effectively ensure alternative opportunities at community
level. The approach goes beyond addressing unemployment: breaking barriers to political
agency is key.
Women have an important role to play in maritime
security, criminal justice and community-based prevention efforts. Through
inclusive training, research and regional dialogue events, the Danish Maritime
Security Programme for the Gulf of Guinea aims at increasing the involvement of
women in maritime security in line with the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.
I would like to conclude by commending the work led by Ghana and Norway on last year's Security Council resolution on maritime security.
I thank you.