On 15 and 16 November 2023, the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) held its first Regional table-top exercise (TTX) on radiological and nuclear (RN) incident prevention, detection
In today’s globally interconnected, technologically advanced society, science (and Chemistry as a sub-discipline) is fundamental to our daily life. While women continue to play an increasingly important role in the chemical sciences, they are still underrepresented in many important chemical safety and security functions.
The proliferation of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons, materials and their means of delivery represents a pressing threat to international peace and security. Actors involved in the financing of such activities look to exploit loopholes in the global financial system to move and raise funds to develop CBRN programmes.
UNICRI, in cooperation with the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, administers the International Network on Biotechnology (INB), a global network of academic and research institutions committed to advancing education and raising awareness about responsible life science. The INB experts exchange views and possible actions to support governments and relevant sectors of civil society (including academia, research institutions, technology companies) with a focus on emerging developments in the life sciences and biotechnology.
The first hours and days following a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) event are essential to assess the problem, mobilize appropriate national resources and experts and provide an adequate and timely international response. This cross-sectoral assistance is crucial to save lives, ease suffering, and mitigate the effects of contamination; it should therefore reach the crisis area in the shortest possible timeframe.
Successfully prosecuting a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) crime, such as the deliberate acquisition, stockpiling, production, transfer, or use/misuse of CBRN material, is a uniquely challenging process.
Advancements in technology are happening at an exponential rate. Science, technology and innovation can play a pivotal role in development and in facilitating efforts to address issues of global concern, but they can also pose new security challenges if used for malicious purposes.
Мир, в котором мы сейчас живем, сложен и постоянно меняется. Преступные структуры с легкостью реагируют на меняющиеся ландшафты угроз и прогрессирующие технологии, создавая множество проблем для тех, кто расследует и осуществляет судебное преследование за преступления. Особо сложные преступления связаны с преднамеренным приобретением и использованием опасных химических и биологических веществ с целью причинения вреда людям, животным, окружающей среде или для нарушения нашего образа жизни.
L’utilisation délibérée et malveillante d’agents chimiques ou biologiques dans un environnement civil demande une planification, de l’organisation, des communications et peut impliquer des interactions avec plusieurs entités, potentiellement sur un certain nombre de pays et de régions. Ces types de crimes sont compliqués par la nature à double utilisation de l’équipement et des industries, et par l’aisance de l’acquisition d’un certain nombre de produits chimiques, de pathogènes biologiques et de toxines à haut risque.
The purpose of the Guidebook, now available in Ukranian, is to provide police and civil prosecutors, and relevant investigative agencies, with guidance to support the successful prosecution of incidents involving the deliberate use of a chemical or biological agents. The Guidebook aims to provide awareness and insight into the current and emerging challenges related to the investigation and prosecution of such crimes.
Foreword by the Director of UNICRI Antonia Marie De Meo
