Tackling Nuclear Terrorism



UN Security Council Resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) establish obligations for all UN Member States that are directly relevant to the fight against nuclear terrorism. In addition, the entering into force of the 2005 International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and the provisions relating to nuclear terrorism of the other 2005 instruments, have generated a high demand and need for technical assistance in this highly complex and technical legal matter.

Under its General Assembly mandate, the UNODC provides requesting Member States with specialized technical assistance in the area of preventing and combating nuclear terrorism, thereby supporting the ratification and effective implementation of the seven international legal instruments dealing with this threat.

UNODC's long term goal is to strengthen legal frameworks and enable Member States to effectively address issues such as: the illicit trafficking of nuclear materials, their illicit possession and use, the sabotage of nuclear facilities, and many other related matters as contemplated in the relevant international legal instruments, ultimately increasing the levels of protection worldwide against the threat of nuclear terrorism.

In carrying out its activities relevant to combating nuclear terrorism, the UNODC works in close partnership with specialized international and regional organizations and entities, including the Committee established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1540 (2004) and its Group of Experts, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF).

In 2009, the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism granted UNODC official observer status, highlighting that "UNODC's commendable work in addressing issues related to counter terrorism, including nuclear terrorism, has already had a positive impact in promoting implementation of the universal legal framework against terrorism, including the Convention on the Physical protection of Nuclear Material and its 2005 Amendment, United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1373 and 1540 and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism".

UNODC continues to play a key role in enhancing nuclear security worldwide by strengthening the legal framework against nuclear terrorism. Recently, UNODC contributed to the High Level Meeting on Countering Nuclear Terrorism, with a Focus on Strengthening the Legal Framework, convened by the UN Secretary General, held at the UN Headquarters in New York on 28 September 2012.