'hostes Humani Generis'

摘要

"For over 2,000 years, the nations of the world have considered pirates to be enemies of the human race (hostes humani generis). Accordingly, every nation has the legal authority to establish jurisdiction over piracy and punish thernoffenders, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator or victim."rnSo begins the "Case for Action" in the new U.S. plan to combat piracy. Written in December and released in January, the document, "Countering Piracy off the Horn of Africa: Partnership and Action Plan," specifically targets the lucrative hijacking-for-ransom business of Somali pirates.rnThe 2005 National Strategy for Maritime Security notes the global economic importance of maritime security, and the 2007 Policy for the Repression of Piracy and other Criminal Acts of Violence at Sea recognizes that the response to maritime security threats will vary according to available resources, as well as political, geographic and legal issues. This new Action Plan narrows the focus, tailoring the U.S. response to the specific threats posed off the Horn of Africa.