Bogor (Indonesia), 13 September 2023 – The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the National Counter Terrorism Agency (BNPT) recently orchestrated a two-day workshop focused on enhancing the implementation of international legal instruments concerning the proliferation of chemical weapons by non-state actors. This initiative is a key component of the project, "Building a Safer South-East Asia by Preventing and Responding to the Use of Chemical Weapons by Terrorists and other non-state Actors in Indonesia," generously funded by the Government of the United States of America. The project is executed by UNODC and UNICRI, with support from various national government agencies and subject matter experts from third countries.
The workshop, attended by over thirty representatives from diverse government agencies, aimed to elevate the knowledge and skills of select Indonesian officials in navigating international and national legal frameworks pertaining to chemical weapons-related terrorism. The emphasis was on fostering inter-agency coordination and international cooperation to effectively implement these frameworks, enabling the investigation and prosecution of offenses related to chemical weapons terrorism.
Covering a range of topics, the workshop featured insights into international and national laws, key developments, best practices, and global cooperation. Esteemed organizations such as UNODC, the UN Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), INTERPOL, and the Indonesian National Police - Anti-Terrorism Detachment (Densus 88) presented comprehensive perspectives. The second day included a tabletop exercise led by UNODC, offering practical applications of the theories presented.
The workshop conveyed a resounding message on the crucial role of fortified legal frameworks in combating chemical weapons terrorism. A solid legal foundation is imperative for any law enforcement action, whether preventive or responsive. Participants gained valuable insights into the latest developments and practical implications of national and international legal frameworks concerning chemical weapons-related terrorism.
This event marks a step forward in fostering security in South-East Asia, emphasizing collaborative strategies and informed approaches as effective deterrents against the threat of chemical weapons in the hands of non-state actors.
