Border management is one of the elements of the nuclear security architecture which needs to be established in order to prevent and detect terrorist or other criminal acts involving nuclear or other radioactive material. It is also crucial in relation to international cooperation, which is especially important given the transnational nature of the threat posed by acts of nuclear or radiological terrorism, and in light of the fact that the consequences of such crimes often transcend boundaries and affect multiple jurisdictions.
Although the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT) does not explicitly mention border security in its text, it is undisputed that this falls under the preventive measures that States parties to the Convention are required to adopt to prevent and detect the above-mentioned criminal acts.
Given the importance of this issue, UNODC launched a virtual speaker series on ICSANT and nuclear terrorism funded by the Government of Canada within the project Strengthening the global fight against CBRN terrorism through raising awareness and promoting adherence to and implementation of international legal frameworks related to nuclear security. The first event of the series was hosted on 19 January 2024 and focused on the topic of border management in the context of ICSANT.
The event was attended by some 80 participants and featured a moderated discussion among Mr. John Buchanan (Coordinator of the Radiological Nuclear Terrorism Prevention Unit, INTERPOL), Mr. Adam Bacheller (Strategic Trade and Export Control Trainer, Passenger and Cargo Border Team, UNODC Border Management Branch), and Ms Francesca Andrian (Programme Officer, CBRN Terrorism Prevention Programme, UNODC Terrorism Prevention Branch).
The speakers discussed the importance of detecting nuclear security events involving nuclear or other radioactive material out of regulatory control. Timely detection of this material can reduce the risk of it being used in criminal or intentional unauthorized acts; it is therefore essential that States establish and implement effective nuclear security detection systems and measures at State borders.
The experts further elaborated on the challenges associated with preventing and suppressing the illicit trafficking of nuclear or other radioactive material, and underscored the relevance of enacting robust criminal legislation, coupled with thorough investigation and case development once smuggling is detected, to ascertain the intent of the individuals involved.
The speakers also highlighted the crucial role played by several entities in providing accurate and up-to-date information on material out of regulatory control, thus guiding law enforcement and frontline officers on appropriate actions. They also stressed the importance of collaboration between the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to effectively suppress and prevent illicit trafficking.
A video recording of the event is available here.
The upcoming sessions of UNODC virtual speaker series will feature national and international experts from international organizations, non-governmental organizations, government and academia, inter alia, and will touch upon a range of topics related to nuclear security and several aspects of ICSANT.
