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.
Originally adopted to combat piracy, the DCoC was significantly expanded through the Jeddah Amendment in January 2017. This amendment broadened the scope of the DCoC to include a wider range of maritime security threats, including human trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
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.