Throughout 2011, IMO engaged at the political level (mainly through the UN Security Council) to bring about a solution to the piracy problem and thus facilitate and expedite the release of seafarers and any other persons held hostage. In addition, the Organization intensified its work to strengthen the protection of persons (seafarers, fisherman and passengers), ships and cargoes in piracy-infested areas and also preserve the integrity of shipping lanes of strategic importance and significance, such as the Gulf of Aden.
Therefore, in co-operation with the shipping industry, seafaring representative organizations and other stakeholders, IMO developed an action plan to maintain and, indeed, strengthen its focus on anti-piracy endeavours of all kinds and to facilitate a broader, global effort.
Among six specific objectives, the plan aims to provide care for those attacked or hijacked by pirates and for their families, continuing the engagement with the CGPCS, the EUNAVFOR and the MPHRP.
The IMO Assembly adopted a resolution (A.1044(27)) on piracy and armed robbery against ships in waters off the coast of Somalia which, among other things, strongly urges Governments to encourage owners and operators of ships entitled to fly their flag to fully consider the provision of post-traumatic care for seafarers attacked or held hostage by pirates, and for their families.