International legal instruments against chemical and biological terrorism represent an effective response to the risk of chemical and biological weapons being used by non‑State actors for terrorist or other criminal purposes. In its continuous effort to promote these instruments, the UNODC Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Terrorism Prevention Programme, Terrorism Prevention Branch, contributed to the Plenary of the Australia Group (AG), which took place on 3‑7 June 2024 in Paris, France. UNODC conducted this activity under the framework of a project to strengthen the global fight against CBRN terrorism, funded by the Government of Canada.
The AG is an informal forum that aims to minimize the risk of exporting and trans-shipping countries assisting in the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons. Currently, the AG is made up of 43 participants.
UNODC’s presentation focused on the four international legal instruments against chemical and biological terrorism, as well as its work on promoting their universalization and effective implementation. In particular, UNODC underlined the synergies between the instruments and the AG’s activities. The key outcome emanating from the statement of the Chair of the 2023 Plenary mentioned that the AG participants “recognised the ongoing threat of chemical and biological terrorism and the need to remain vigilant to procurement that could support such activities, and to guard against the misuse of chemical and biological technologies and equipment by non-state actors."
UNODC also emphasized the synergistic nature of the four international legal instruments and UN Security Council resolution 1540 (2004), the Biological Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention. The incorporation of the criminalization obligations established by the legal instruments against chemical and biological terrorism into national legislation may contribute to the fulfilment by States of several obligations set forth in the resolution and the two conventions.
In its presentation, UNODC further discussed its tailor-made tools and assistance, including, its eLearning module on the international legal framework against CBRN terrorism, which was developed thanks to funding by the Government of Canada.
