UNODC Promotes the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism in Albania

15-16 June 2022, Tirana, Albania: The International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT) is an essential tool to effectively prevent and combat certain conduct involving nuclear or other radioactive material, that States have at their disposal to strengthen their criminal justice systems. Currently comprising of 118 States Parties, ICSANT still lacks universal adherence, and thus poses a risk that “safe havens” may exist for those involved in nuclear terrorism.

As part of its efforts to address some of these challenges, UNODC conducted a country visit to Albania to promote adherence to, and implementation of, ICSANT.

Bilateral high-level meetings were held with representatives from the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Justice, General Directorate of State Police, General Directorate of Customs, Institute for Applied Physics, Office for Radiation Protection/Institute for Public Health (the latter jointly with UNOCT), Prosecutor's Office, and Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. During the meetings, UNODC underlined the importance of becoming party to ICSANT with concrete examples on benefits of adherence and provided an overview of the technical and legislative assistance that UNODC can tailor to Albania’s needs with regard to its adherence to, and implementation of, ICSANT.

UNODC also delivered a presentation on ICSANT at a national advocacy event for parliamentarians on ICSANT held by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) on 16 June. Prior to that event, UNODC had the opportunity, jointly with UNOCT, to meet with the Minister for State relations with the Parliament and the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament and discuss the benefits of ICSANT.

The visit took place under project “Promoting Universalization and Effective Implementation of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism” funded by the European Union.

This activity contributes to SDG Target 16.a on strengthening relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels, in particular in developing countries, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime.