UNODC Holds First National Training Seminar in Montenegro for Judicial and Prosecution Training Centres on the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism

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11 - 12 December 2023, Podgorica, Montenegro: The exchange of accurate and verified information is a key element of the cooperation needed among States parties to the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT). Such exchange helps States parties detect, prevent, suppress and investigate the offences that are criminalized under the Convention.

Prompt communication among the competent authorities within each State party is fundamental to obtaining needed information and ensuring the effective implementation of ICSANT.

On 11 and 12 December 2023, UNODC conducted a seminar in Montenegro, the first within a series of national seminars for judicial and prosecution training centres, under the new EU Project Union Support for the universalisation and effective implementation of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT). The seminar brought together judges from across the country, prosecutors, inspectors, a representative of the national ecotoxicological research centre, and other government officials.

The event was opened by the President of the Steering Committee of the Centre for Training in Judiciary and State Prosecution of Montenegro, Ms Ljiljana Lakić, the EU Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Ms Marjolijn van Deelen (via video-message), and Mr Koen Marquering, representing UNODC’s Regional Office for South-Eastern Europe. The event featured presentations by UNODC staff, an expert from INTERPOL, as well as national experts from Montenegro and the Netherlands.

On the first day of the seminar, participants were provided with an overview of the threat of criminal acts involving nuclear or other radioactive material, related prosecutorial actions and challenges, as well as specific elements of the offences criminalized by ICSANT and the mechanisms it establishes to prevent and counter the threat. On the second day of the event, participants worked together in multi-disciplinary teams in the analysis of a fictional case designed to showcase the various mechanisms available under ICSANT to facilitate the investigation, prosecution and adjudication of a nuclear/radiological crime, and help identify any gaps in national legislation and internal structures needed for effective implementation.

Participants highlighted how the seminar helped them understand the roles and needs of officials within the national criminal justice system in the implementation of ICSANT.