Yup, I'm with Ted. If I'm sailing along quietly going about my business, polishing my binnacle, etc., and someone comes up with guns blazing, with no interest other than taking my ship, my cargo and maybe my life, what do I do?
The truth, I think, is that these pirates don't have any hesitation in killing or injuring ships crews in pursuit of the money, but if the tables are turned, they don't have any hesitation in pleading human rights, or whatever. Give them back their freedom, or a gun, and they'd repeat the offense or open fire immediately.
If pirates came under return fire every time they attempted to take a ship, piracy would quickly stop.