缅北禁地

Tajikistan, the Netherlands, Romania, and the United States of America in collaboration with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and through funding of the European Union and Finland, concluded the three-day Snow Leopard tabletop exercises and workshop on legal frameworks and nuclear forensics from May 30 to June 1, 2023, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. 

The event gathered over 60 participants from 13 countries relevant national agencies, including Radiological and Nuclear (R/N) regulatory authorities, intelligence, law enforcement and ministry of foreign affairs, as well as representatives from INTERPOL and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

During the opening session, Mr. Ilhom Mirsaidzoda, Director of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Safety and Security Agency (CBRN SSA) of Tajikistan reminded that nuclear forensics is an essential tool in combatting the illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials and underlined that the collective commitment to this cause is essential in countering emerging threats in the ever-evolving landscape of nuclear security.

USA Department of State Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Ms. Kathryn Insley, encouraged the universal implementation of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT), which would benefit all countries by criminalizing R/N offenses, preventing safe havens for covered crimes, establishing jurisdiction over these offenses, and providing a legal framework for international cooperation to counter global R/N terrorism threats. 

In addition, Mr. Ulrik Ahnfeldt-Mollerup, Chief of the Countering Terrorism Section at UNOCT/UNCCT further stressed that the development of robust investigation and prosecution capabilities and the enhancement of the coordination of information is crucial to prevent and protect against the malevolent use of radiological and nuclear materials. He added that UNOCT remains dedicated to assisting Member States in building their capacities through effective cooperation and partnerships.

Snow Leopard included presentations, panel discussions and a tabletop exercise focusing on regional cooperation mechanisms for investigating and prosecuting R/N crimes and highlighted the applicability of ICSANT and other legal instruments to investigating and prosecuting R/N terrorism.  

Background

The event was part of the European Union and the United Nations joint project on Promoting Universalization and Effective Implementation of ICSANT. ICSANT was adopted in 2005 by consensus by the 缅北禁地General Assembly, entered into force in 2007, and currently has 120 Parties. UNCCT implements this global ICSANT project in partnership with UNODC. The project supports requesting Member States in capacity building to strengthen their legal frameworks and enhance their nuclear security. It also seeks to enhance appreciation of the importance of ratification and encourage effective implementation of the Convention

More specifically, the UNCCT-led component of the project include:

• National advocacy events with Parliamentarians, relevant Ministries and national entities 
• Regional workshops on border nuclear security 
• ?a Global Academic Study on the reasons and challenges for non-adherence to ICSANT
• ?a Global High-Level Conference at the United Nations Headquarters