As the use of nuclear and other radioactive material continues to increase worldwide, so does the significance of ICSANT as a vital tool for preventing nuclear terrorism and enhancing global nuclear security. Adhering to an international treaty typically involves a lengthy process that demands time and commitment from all relevant national stakeholders.
On 25 September 2024, at the 2024 Treaty Event “Strengthening the Multilateral Treaty Framework,” Mozambique deposited an instrument of ratification to the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT) and will become the 125th State party to it on 25 October 2024.
The chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) Terrorism Prevention Programme of UNODC’s Terrorism Prevention Branch was delighted to accompany Mozambique in the process leading to this important milestone. The fruitful cooperation started in 2013 when Mozambique took part in UNODC’s workshop on the 2005 Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (A/CPPNM) and ICSANT, funded by the United Kingdom. In 2024, representatives of the Ministry of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs participated in the seminar to promote A/CPPNM and ICSANT, jointly conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and UNODC. The event was co‑funded by Canada, the European Union and the United States of America.
Furthermore, UNODC was pleased to contribute to outreach activities of other international partners, such as the IAEA and the African Center for Science and International Security, who have organized various regional and global outreach events on nuclear security, which Mozambique attended. These events were important for the country's consideration of adherence to ICSANT. UNODC used these opportunities to deepen its engagement with the country regarding the Convention.
Last August, UNODC’s CBRN Terrorism Prevention Programme, in cooperation with UNODC’s Programme Office in Mozambique, also conducted a national visit to Mozambique to promote the universalization and effective implementation of ICSANT, funded by Canada. The visit was comprised of a workshop, which brought together over 20 representatives from seven government authorities, and high-level meetings with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the National Atomic Energy Agency, the Tax Authority and the Ministry of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs. During these engagements, UNODC discussed the main provisions of ICSANT, underlined the importance of becoming party to the Convention and provided insights into the technical and legislative assistance that the Office can tailor to Mozambique’s needs in this context. Additionally, UNODC shared various technical assistance tools with participants, including publications on ICSANT, that the Office has made available in Portuguese.
Only when every State becomes party to ICSANT, can the Convention reach its highest level of effectivity, thereby ensuring a comprehensive global protection against criminal acts involving radioactive materials and leaving no safe havens for offenders.
More information on the topic:
IAEA and UNODC Join Forces in Promoting the Legal Framework for Nuclear Security (2024)
