Publication

This paper explores due process and human rights issues associated with prosecuting suspected pirates in Africa. While an increased military presence has increased the number of piracy suspects that are being brought to trial, it has not reduced the number of pirates taking to the high seas. It is argued that the strategy of enforcing legal accountability for pirates at sea but not for those on shore breeds a disregard for the human rights of a very vulnerable group of people, and results in an increase in piracy.