International legal instruments against radiological and nuclear terrorism provide a framework for collaboration among States in addressing nuclear terrorism and other criminal acts involving nuclear and other radioactive material. Specifically, these seven instruments require parties to criminalize certain conduct, for example, the unlawful and intentional use of radioactive sources or devices to cause death, serious bodily injury or substantial damage to property or the environment. Parties to these instruments are also required to establish jurisdiction over such offenses, and either prosecute or extradite alleged offenders. The instruments also facilitate international cooperation through many forms, starting from preventive measures, information exchange, to extradition, mutual legal assistance, to so-called “post-crisis” situations, including cooperation on nuclear forensics.
On 25 June 2024, UNODC contributed virtually to the 27th Nuclear Forensics International Technical Working Group (ITWG) annual meeting, which took place on 25-27 June 2024 in Manchester, United Kingdom. UNODC conducted this activity under the framework of two projects strengthening the global fight against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) terrorism, and supporting the universalization and effective implementation of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT), funded by the Government of Canada and the European Union, respectively.
ITWG is an informal and unaffiliated association of nuclear forensics practitioners “who are dedicated to advancing the scientific discipline of nuclear forensics in order to prevent and respond to incidents involving nuclear and other radioactive material out of regulatory control.” Participation in the ITWG is open to all States as well as entities and individuals that are “recognized by competent national or international authorities with an interest in technical nuclear forensics.”
UNODC’s presentation focused on the seven international legal instruments against radiological and nuclear terrorism, as well as its work on promoting their universalization and effective implementation. In particular, UNODC underlined the role of nuclear forensics in the context of international cooperation.
UNODC further discussed its tailor-made tools and assistance related to nuclear forensics, including mock trials on ICSANT, cross-regional tabletop exercises, a series of webinars and virtual speaker series on ICSANT and nuclear terrorism, as well as an eLearning module on the international legal framework against CBRN terrorism, among others.
