The Need for a Regional Mechanism to Combat Piracy at Sea in the South Asian Region.

Abstract

This research paper explores whether there is a need for a regional mechanism to combat piracy in South Asia with special reference to Sri Lanka. Thus, the objectives of this paper revolves around identifying whether there is a need to implement a regional antipiracy mechanism, its practicality and the challenges that has to be faced if such regional mechanism is to be introduced. The methodology adopted in this paper is a comprehensive analysis of available literature on the matter of global piracy and regional mechanisms. The Literature review explores using available statistics if there is an urgent need for a regional mechanism to combat piracy in South Asia. It draws the attention to successful regional mechanisms of other regions of the world. It will also briefly look in to the subject matter with the standpoint of benefits to Sri Lanka if such a mechanism is implemented. The results and analysis of available statistics indicates that the number of pirate attacks in the Indian Ocean especially near India and Bangladesh mainly, is increasing though the past decade. This may be due to a spill over effect from the piracy hotspot in the Southeast Asian region like the Malacca strait. Even though the countries of the South Asian region are part of the regional agreement known as the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAPP) for all Asian countries, it is observed that they need a subregional mechanism that is sensitive to the geographical, political, economic concerns of the South Asian region. In conclusion it is evident that there appears to be a need to form a regional mechanism to combat piracy in the South Asian region. This could be achieved through the existing institution for regional corporation namely South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC).