The International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT) is an essential legal instrument at the disposal of States to strengthen their criminal justice systems and effectively prevent and combat unlawful and intentional conduct involving nuclear or other radioactive material. While adherence to the Convention is an important first step, effective implementation of its provisions is equally crucial.
In supporting States to establish robust and sustainable legal frameworks for countering nuclear and radiological terrorism, UNODC also builds their capacity to effectively prevent and respond to these crimes.
In this context, on 8 November 2024, UNODC conducted a national seminar on ICSANT in the Republic of Moldova. The event aimed at training criminal justice officers and other national stakeholders on the effective implementation of the Convention and equip them with the knowledge and skillset required to effectively investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate offences involving nuclear or other radioactive material, or nuclear facilities.
The seminar was implemented as a segment of the United Nations Interregional Crime and Research Institute’s (UNICRI) Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) table-top exercise and criminalization workshop on strengthening the CBRN investigation, prosecution and adjudication capabilities of the Republic of Moldova, which took place on 5-8 November 2024.
The event brought together over 25 participants representing the National Institute of Justice, General Inspectorate of Border Police, General Prosecutor’s Office, Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Cases, Chisinau Municipal Prosecutor’s Office, Ministry of Justice, Security and Intelligence Service, Moldova National Agency for Regulation of Nuclear and Radiological Activities, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, General Inspectorate of Police, Superior Council of Magistracy, Customs Service, “Stefan cel Mare” Academy, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health, and Supreme Council of Prosecutors.
The seminar contributed to enhancing participants’ knowledge of the international legal framework against CBRN terrorism, ICSANT’s key provisions and synergies with other relevant legal instruments. National stakeholders also learned about UNODC’s mandate and work in the field of CBRN terrorism prevention and available legislative assistance tools developed by the Office. Additionally, participants engaged in a scenario-based exercise and discussed the potential implications stemming from the investigation and prosecution of a nuclear/radiological crime. The exercise helped them demonstrate ICSANT’s provisions related to criminalization, establishment of jurisdiction and international cooperation, as well as emphasized the importance of multi-agency collaboration.
The seminar was the third event of a series of trainings for judicial education and training centres under the project funded by the European Union “Supporting the universalisation and effective implementation of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism.”
More on the topic: UNODC Holds First National Training Seminar in Montenegro for Judicial and Prosecution Training Centres on ICSANT
