A key meeting focused on supporting the implementation of the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC) and its Jeddah Amendment took place at IMO Headquarters (3 October).
The DCoC aims at combating maritime security threats in western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. Senior officials from the 21 DCoC member states and donor partners gathered to assess and discuss challenges, identify joint solutions, and explore funding opportunities to ensure the continued success of the Code and maritime security efforts in the region.
The Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC)/ Jeddah Amendment
The Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC) concerning the Repression of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden was adopted in 2009.
Since 2010, IMO has been supporting Djibouti Code of Conduct participating States to develop their maritime law enforcement capability to counter piracy and other threats to safety and security of navigation.
The Jeddah Amendment, adopted in 2017, extends the scope of the Code, calling on the signatory States to cooperate to the fullest possible extent to repress transnational organized crime in the maritime domain, maritime terrorism, illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing and other illegal activities at sea.
The pillars of the DCoC are:
- regional training
- national legislation
- information sharing
- capacity building
- coordination
IMO supports Member States in implementing the Djibouti Code of Conduct thought various initiatives including regional training, capacity building, and reviewing their national legislation to counter piracy and other threats to the safety and security of navigation.
The signatory states will gather next in a 7th High Level Meeting on the Implementation of the DCoC/JA in the United Republic of Tanzania in November for further discussions and action.
