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Prosecutor Network Forum Addresses Stateless Vessels in the Indian Ocean

From August 12 to 15, 2024, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) organized the Prosecutors' Network Forum (PNF) in Antananarivo, Madagascar. This annual event serves as a platform for prosecutors from the Indian Ocean region to come together, share insights, and develop collaborative strategies to combat maritime crimes.

This year's theme centered on the issue of stateless vessels and the legal frameworks necessary for their interception. Stateless vessels, operating without a registered flag or nationality, present significant challenges in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region. Often exploited by criminal networks for illegal activities, including drug trafficking and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, they fuel corruption and violence that leave a serious impact on the social fabric of the countries concerned. Therefore, addressing these issues is essential to improving maritime security and human rights in the region.

During the forum, participants delved into the legal grounds for intercepting stateless vessels, examining maritime zones and the responsibilities of flag states. Mrs. Geetika Rampoortab, Senior State Counsel at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Mauritius noted the complexities involved and emphasized, "Regarding some stateless vessels where there are no flags or where some of them are flying two flags, this is a bit more tricky, and this PNF has really enlightened us with regards to these aspects in maritime law."

Moreover, workshops focused on evidence gathering and sharing practices, while case scenarios provided practical insights into tackling drug trafficking and IUU fishing. The importance of regional cooperation and the need for robust legal frameworks to empower law enforcement agencies were key points of discussion. Ms. Laura Spira, Senior Principal Prosecutor Counsel at ODPP in Kenya, highlighted the significance of the forum in enhancing international cooperation and commented, "By bringing all the regional the states within the region together under one umbrella, which is the Prosecutors Network Forum, this is one of the strategies to enhance international cooperation."

The outcomes of this forum contribute to UNODC's ongoing efforts to support Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and align with the UNODC Strategic Vision for Africa 2030, which prioritizes the rule of law and regional cooperation in promoting maritime security. As the Indian Ocean faces evolving threats, UNODC remains committed to helping member states protect the maritime domain.

This forum was made possible through the support of the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) under the Improved Application of Information Sharing in Maritime Rule of Law in the Western Indian Ocean project.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. David O’Connell (David.OConnell@un.org)

Western Indian Ocean Programme Coordinator

Global Maritime Crime Programme

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Click here to visit the UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme website.