An international conference on combating piracy and armed robbery against ships held in Tokyo recently called for stronger measures to be taken by various authorities, including Flag States, to check the rising trend in piracy and armed robbery against ships in Southeast Asian waters.

The International conference of All Maritime related Concerns, Both Governmental and Private, on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships (March 28-30, 2000) issued the "Tokyo Appeal" containing urgent measures to be taken to address the crimes against ships and crews in the high seas. 

The "Tokyo Appeal" called for the implementation and enhancement of self-protection measures on ships such as the introduction of position notification system technology, geared against hijacking and other heinous and organized acts. The conference, which was organized by the Japanese Ministry of Transport, stressed that piracy and armed robbery against ships was not an issue that could be resolved by individual states and needed coordination and cooperation of various agencies transcending individual positions.

It noted that in the light of the increase in the criminal acts involving international syndicates, there was an increasing prevalence in the acts involving multiple states and this made it more pressing on the need to strengthen cooperation among all states concerned in the affected area.

Among other measures contained in the "Tokyo Appeal" include:
* Enforcing thorough reporting from victim ships to coastal/port states authorities;
* Strengthening patrols in domestic and territorial seas (and swift and strict investigation by coastal/port states of incidence of piracy and armed robbery against ships);
* Establishment of a legal framework by coastal/port states to facilitate and enhance effective prosecution of alleged criminals;
* Development of counter measures to be taken by all concerned governmental authorities;
* Each state to establish comprehensive information network of all governmental agencies by designating relevant offices as the operational contact point; and,
* Sharing and joint use of data relating to piracy and armed robbery against ships (for self-protection and early discovery of missing ships).