The word pirate is commonly associated with a person who had a wooden peg-leg, eye patches, owning a large ship with the skull and crossbone flag and a parrot on their shoulder, such as the picture shown below
however today's sea pirates usually are equipped with high tech gadgets, with high-speed boats, cellular phones and more modern assault weapons. The picture below shows a typical modern sea pirate.
noun practice of a pirate; robbery or illegal violence at sea.
Maritime Piracy therefore is where armed pirates rob, hijack or attack ships. It is thought that the main incentive for the Somali Pirates is to kidnap the crew for ransom, not to kill.
This is why it is important to fix the country's economic stability as many are only committing the crime because it's seen as easy money
Campaign Brief
Friday, June 4, 2010 / 9:57 PM
1. Overview
What is the Campaign for?
This campaign aims to raise global awareness in the political active age group of young adults to adults (approx. 21-40) about modern day sea piracy, as many believe that sea pirates no longer exist. The main goal for this campaign is to fix the root of the problem. Many Somali people become pirates as they see this as an easy way of gaining money. Thus to solve the problem - instead of wasting tax payers money on patrolling waters - is to build a more economically stable country. This process is staged in two parts, raising global awareness in the 21 year olds to 40 year olds about modern day sea piracy. The second stage is Government involvement it is also hoped that rather then blaming the Somalia Government, other already developed countries will help them build a more economically stable country. Setting up appropriate guidelines, and educating the Somali Government and people until they can survive on their own.
Why is it important to highlight the topic of piracy?
Piracy is an ever-increasing current problem, with 102 reports of pirate attacks in 2009. Pirates are one the commercial shipping companies largest worries, however these attacks affect not only the shipping companies but also everyday people. To cover for the cost of ransoms, delays, and employment of security guards, items ranging from foods to manufactured goods will increase in price greatly. Therefore it is important to be aware of piracy so that more can be done to prevent it.
What is being currently done by local or international bodies or lawmakers to stamp out or reduce piracy crime in international waters?
Currently some large countries such as America and the European Union Navy are patrolling the Somali waters. However, many governments are doing nothing to stop piracy due to the complexities of international laws. Such an example is the Canadian Navy which, after a seven hour chase after the Somali pirates released all of them unprosecuted. Although Somali Government has imprisoned over hundreds of pirates, there hasn’t been any sign of development in controlling the current problem.
Have new laws been introduced and are Private shipping companies hiring security to help protect valuable cargo? Give examples.
Many shipping companies are now hiring private security when travelling through the Somali waters. For example the commercial cargo ships, MV Almezaan, a hired security guard shot dead a pirate. Currently no new laws have been introduced to control piracy.
What do you personally hope to achieve by highlighting this international topic?
If the greater public was to get involved in this issue, via petitions, political rallies and voting/elections this could help influence their governments to take more of an involvement in this topic. Meaning more help for the Somali Government to correct there people. Together the global community, not just the countries leaders, can help set the guidelines and assist in setting appropriate political boundaries.
What action do you hope will take place by Governments, Community leaders, when this topic is brought to the wider community?
The more developed Governments can help the Somali Government, through financial support, denoting guidelines, and educating the Somali people on piracy. Especially in the educating the Somali Government on how to control their citizens, and particularly on how to spend the money they are granted with. Community leaders should also take the time to rehabilitate and educate offenders as many pirates are unaware of Piracy being an illegal crime. However a large retribution consequence should be enforced against re-offenders.
Include your researched facts about one Piracy Case to highlight the seriousness of the problem.
The MV Almezaan is a cargo commercial ship which has been attacked a total of three times whilst travelling the route from Dubai to Mogadishu. The first and second attack occurring on the 1st of May,2009 and the 8th of November, 2009 respectively. In the second case the pirates demanded a $15 000 ransom, however the third attack was much more aggressive resulting in the death of one Somali Pirate. Six suspects were arrested and taken on board the Spanish Navarra, along with the body of the dead pirate. However on the flip side to the success of MV Almezaan’s private guards in repelling the attack, this could be shown as a regression back to the times of olden day sea wars. Thus the importance of this non-violent solution to the problem rather than going to war against the pirates.
2. Who is the target audience for your Campaign
Who do you want to give the message to, outlining the seriousness of Piracy in international waters? Be specific about who the message is going to. And be clear on why there particular people are targeted, why would they benefit from the information you are about to give them?
This is campaign focuses on the more politically active age group, the young adults to adult, people with political status, and people with financial influences. These people are particularly aimed at as this issue would affect them most, directly and indirectly. The 21 year olds to 40 years would be effected on the prices of items increasing, they can help through political rallies, and petition to get more government involvement in this issue. People with political and financial influences would be affected the most on this issue. Countries with large shipping companies are losing thousands to pirates to cover for the cost of sea patrols, ransoms, and delays.
3. Media , Budget and Spnsors.
Now that you have outlined the Campaign, who do you think will sponsor the presentation? Maybe those who piracy affects most would be willing to fund the campaign.
Countries with large shipping companies such as the Americans, Australian and the European Union who lose thousands to pirates would most probably be interested in funding this campaign. Also CEO’s of shipping companies who will make less profit as of piracy attacks.
Which media outlets would you use to deliver this message? Be realistic this message is Internationally recognised.
Particularly to this age group who spends most of their time on technology-based areas, the internet and TV would be most effective.
Stage one:
Spreading the word
map of pirate attacks
Thursday, June 10, 2010 / 5:13 AM
Farthest recording is up to approx. 327.5km far from the coast of Somaila
The word pirate is commonly associated with a person who had a wooden peg-leg, eye patches, owning a large ship with the skull and crossbone flag and a parrot on their shoulder, such as the picture shown below
however today's sea pirates usually are equipped with high tech gadgets, with high-speed boats, cellular phones and more modern assault weapons. The picture below shows a typical modern sea pirate.
noun practice of a pirate; robbery or illegal violence at sea.
Maritime Piracy therefore is where armed pirates rob, hijack or attack ships. It is thought that the main incentive for the Somali Pirates is to kidnap the crew for ransom, not to kill.
This is why it is important to fix the country's economic stability as many are only committing the crime because it's seen as easy money
Campaign Brief
Friday, June 4, 2010 / 9:57 PM
1. Overview
What is the Campaign for?
This campaign aims to raise global awareness in the political active age group of young adults to adults (approx. 21-40) about modern day sea piracy, as many believe that sea pirates no longer exist. The main goal for this campaign is to fix the root of the problem. Many Somali people become pirates as they see this as an easy way of gaining money. Thus to solve the problem - instead of wasting tax payers money on patrolling waters - is to build a more economically stable country. This process is staged in two parts, raising global awareness in the 21 year olds to 40 year olds about modern day sea piracy. The second stage is Government involvement it is also hoped that rather then blaming the Somalia Government, other already developed countries will help them build a more economically stable country. Setting up appropriate guidelines, and educating the Somali Government and people until they can survive on their own.
Why is it important to highlight the topic of piracy?
Piracy is an ever-increasing current problem, with 102 reports of pirate attacks in 2009. Pirates are one the commercial shipping companies largest worries, however these attacks affect not only the shipping companies but also everyday people. To cover for the cost of ransoms, delays, and employment of security guards, items ranging from foods to manufactured goods will increase in price greatly. Therefore it is important to be aware of piracy so that more can be done to prevent it.
What is being currently done by local or international bodies or lawmakers to stamp out or reduce piracy crime in international waters?
Currently some large countries such as America and the European Union Navy are patrolling the Somali waters. However, many governments are doing nothing to stop piracy due to the complexities of international laws. Such an example is the Canadian Navy which, after a seven hour chase after the Somali pirates released all of them unprosecuted. Although Somali Government has imprisoned over hundreds of pirates, there hasn’t been any sign of development in controlling the current problem.
Have new laws been introduced and are Private shipping companies hiring security to help protect valuable cargo? Give examples.
Many shipping companies are now hiring private security when travelling through the Somali waters. For example the commercial cargo ships, MV Almezaan, a hired security guard shot dead a pirate. Currently no new laws have been introduced to control piracy.
What do you personally hope to achieve by highlighting this international topic?
If the greater public was to get involved in this issue, via petitions, political rallies and voting/elections this could help influence their governments to take more of an involvement in this topic. Meaning more help for the Somali Government to correct there people. Together the global community, not just the countries leaders, can help set the guidelines and assist in setting appropriate political boundaries.
What action do you hope will take place by Governments, Community leaders, when this topic is brought to the wider community?
The more developed Governments can help the Somali Government, through financial support, denoting guidelines, and educating the Somali people on piracy. Especially in the educating the Somali Government on how to control their citizens, and particularly on how to spend the money they are granted with. Community leaders should also take the time to rehabilitate and educate offenders as many pirates are unaware of Piracy being an illegal crime. However a large retribution consequence should be enforced against re-offenders.
Include your researched facts about one Piracy Case to highlight the seriousness of the problem.
The MV Almezaan is a cargo commercial ship which has been attacked a total of three times whilst travelling the route from Dubai to Mogadishu. The first and second attack occurring on the 1st of May,2009 and the 8th of November, 2009 respectively. In the second case the pirates demanded a $15 000 ransom, however the third attack was much more aggressive resulting in the death of one Somali Pirate. Six suspects were arrested and taken on board the Spanish Navarra, along with the body of the dead pirate. However on the flip side to the success of MV Almezaan’s private guards in repelling the attack, this could be shown as a regression back to the times of olden day sea wars. Thus the importance of this non-violent solution to the problem rather than going to war against the pirates.
2. Who is the target audience for your Campaign
Who do you want to give the message to, outlining the seriousness of Piracy in international waters? Be specific about who the message is going to. And be clear on why there particular people are targeted, why would they benefit from the information you are about to give them?
This is campaign focuses on the more politically active age group, the young adults to adult, people with political status, and people with financial influences. These people are particularly aimed at as this issue would affect them most, directly and indirectly. The 21 year olds to 40 years would be effected on the prices of items increasing, they can help through political rallies, and petition to get more government involvement in this issue. People with political and financial influences would be affected the most on this issue. Countries with large shipping companies are losing thousands to pirates to cover for the cost of sea patrols, ransoms, and delays.
3. Media , Budget and Spnsors.
Now that you have outlined the Campaign, who do you think will sponsor the presentation? Maybe those who piracy affects most would be willing to fund the campaign.
Countries with large shipping companies such as the Americans, Australian and the European Union who lose thousands to pirates would most probably be interested in funding this campaign. Also CEO’s of shipping companies who will make less profit as of piracy attacks.
Which media outlets would you use to deliver this message? Be realistic this message is Internationally recognised.
Particularly to this age group who spends most of their time on technology-based areas, the internet and TV would be most effective.
Other cases
Attacks
MV Almezaan
commercial cargo ship
The MV Almezaan is a cargo commercial ship which has been attacked a total of 3 times off the coast of Somalia. The first and second attack occurring on the 1st of May,2009 and the 8th of November, 2009 respectively. In the second case, the pirates demanded a ransom, however the third attack was much more aggressive resulting in the death of one Somali Pirate.
Route en Dubai to Mogadishu
Attack one
On the 1st of May 2009, the MV Almezaan was hi-jacked and later taken to Haradheere whilst transporting used vehicles to Mogadishu, it was later released with no ransom needing to be paid. However this means that there would be delays, resulting in higher product prices.
Attack two
The second attack occured on the 8th of November 2009, whilst travelling the route from Dubai to Mogadishu. This is time not so lucky, the pirates demanded a $15 000 ransom for the ships return.
Attack three
The finial attack and most aggressive, happened on the 24th of March 2010.The Panamanian-flagged MV Almezaan was 60 miles (97km) south of the pirate port of Haradheere, en route to Mogadishu, when it was attack.
This time a small team of private security guards fired shots to repel the first attack but when the gang came in for a second approach the guards aimed to kill. A Spanish navy helicopter, sent as part of the EU anti-piracy force, tracked the pirates, firing into the water to force their surrender.
Somalia
Facts about Somalia
Somalia
Country
Location: Eastern Africa, east of Ethiopia. Somalia borders the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
Area: 637,657 sq km
Bordered by: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya
Coastline: 3,025 km
Climate: Principally desert, monsoons
Terrain: Mostly flat to undulating plateau, rising to hills in the north
Elevation: Shimibris 2,416m (highest point)
Natural Resources: Uranium, iron ore, tin, gypsum, bauxite, copper, salt, natural gas, oil
People
Population: 9,558,666 (estimate)
Median Age: 17.5 years
Population Growth Rate: 2.824% (2008 est.)
Birth Rate: 44.12 births/1,000 population
Death Rate: 15.89 deaths/1,000 population
Total Fertility Rate: 6.6 children born/woman
Nationality: Somali
Ethnic Groups: Somali 85%; Bantu, Arab, and other non-Somali 15%
Religions: Sunni Muslim
Languages: Somali (official), Arabic, Italian, English
Literacy: 37.8% age 15 and over can read and write; 49.7% male, 25.8% female (2001 est.)
Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons: 1.1 million (2007)
Government
Capital: Mogadishu
Government Type: Transitional, parliamentary federal government (no permament natonal government)
Political Parties and Leaders: None
Political Pressure Groups and Leaders: Numerous clan and sub-clan factions exist both in support and in opposition to the transitional government
Diplomatic Representation: Somalia does not have an embassy in the United States; United States does not have an embassy in Somalia
Economy
Overview: Somalia has maintained a healthy informal economy, largely based on livestock, remittance/money transfer companies, and telecommunications. Agriculture is the most important sector, with livestock normally accounting for about 40% of GDP and about 65% of export earnings. Livestock, hides, fish, charcoal, and bananas are Somalia’s principal exports, while sugar, sorghum, corn, qat, and machined goods are the principal imports. Somalia’s small industrial sector, based on the processing of agricultural products, has largely been looted and sold as scrap metal. Telecommunication firms provide wireless services in most major cities and offer the lowest international call rates on the continent. Money exchange services have sprouted throughout the country, handling between $500 million and $1 billion in remittances annually. Mogadishu’s main market offers a variety of goods from food to the newest electronic gadgets. Hotels continue to operate and are supported with private-security militias.
GDP – Official Exchange Rate: $2.509 billion (2007 est.)
GDP Per Capita: $600
GDP Real Growth Rate: 2.6%
GDP Composition by Sector: Agriculture 65%, industry 10%, services 25%
Labor Force: 3.7 million (few skilled laborers) (1975)
Unemployment Rate: NA
Exports: $300 million f.o.b. (2006)
Exports – Commodities: Livestock, bananas, hides, fish, charcoal, scrap metal
Imports: $798 million f.o.b. (2006)
Imports – Commodities: Manufactures, petroleum products, foodstuffs, construction materials, qat
Currency: Somali shilling (SOS)
Exchange Rates: 23,000 shillings per US dollar (unnoficial black market rate as of February 2007)
For pictures and video links, visit the facebook page
or simply click on the links below
Links
For more information, includes videos and pictures:
