The International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT) is one of the key legal instruments developed by the international community to prevent and suppress nuclear terrorism and other criminal acts involving nuclear and other radioactive material.

Currently comprised of 120 Parties, including 25 in Africa, ICSANT still lacks universal adherence. Mauritius is a signatory to ICSANT as of 14 September 2005 but is not yet a State Party.

On 7 February 2023, UNODC contributed to a national workshop for Mauritius to raise awareness on nuclear security for senior officials in the country. The event was organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Mauritius and included the participation of representatives from Jordan, Mauritius, Nigeria, USA, IAEA and UNODC.

The event included presentations by UNODC staff on key aspects of the Convention and the benefits of adhering to it. UNODC experts also shared the range of technical and legislative assistance UNODC provides with regard to joining and implementing ICSANT.

National representatives delivered several presentations on Mauritius’ nuclear security legislative framework and national legislation.

The event brought together participants from various national institutions, namely the Prime Minister’s Office (National Security Division; Counter Terrorism Unit; Forensic Science Laboratory); Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security Authority; Mauritius Police Force (Special Mobile Force (Explosive Handling Unit), National Coast Guard); Ministry of Local Government, Disaster and Risk Management (Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service; National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre); Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities; Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade; Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change; Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security; Ministry of Health and Wellness; Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology; Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation; Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping (Shipping Division); Customs Department - Mauritius Revenue Authority; Mauritius Ports Authority; National Land Transport Authority; Department of Civil Aviation and the Attorney General’s Office.

UNODC held bilateral meetings with the Radiation Safety and Nuclear Security Authority, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the State Law Office.

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