The widespread utilization of nuclear and other radioactive material across various sectors poses a significant risk to national, regional and international security. Illicit trafficking, vulnerabilities of facilities, and lack of national legislative frameworks all contribute to the gravity of this issue which may result in serious cross-border consequences. Adhering to and effectively implementing international legal instruments for nuclear security facilitate a robust criminal justice response to intentional and illicit conduct involving nuclear or other radioactive material.
On 12 February 2024, Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) convened an event in Harare, Zimbabwe to foster dialogue on effective implementation of provisions of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT), the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and its Amendment. The event was held in cooperation with the Parliament of Zimbabwe and in partnership with the Government of Canada.
UNODC’s presentation focused on the importance of effective implementation of ICSANT - to which Zimbabwe is party since 28 October 2023 - as a crucial step toward mitigating threats of criminal use of nuclear and other radioactive material. The presentation further highlighted ICSANT’s synergies with other instruments, such as the CPPNM and its Amendment, as well as the importance of incorporating ICSANT’s criminalization requirements into national legislation as a way to fulfil the State’s obligations under UN Security Council resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004). The participants were also informed of UNODC’s available assistance to Zimbabwe under the ongoing projects funded by the Government of Canada and the European Union after the country became party to ICSANT. It includes capacity building activities and tools such as mock trials, seminars for judicial education and training centres, the eLearning module on ICSANT and webinar series, among others, as well as legislative assistance upon request.
