Promoting Universalization and Effective Implementation of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT) in Cambodia
The United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), in partnership with the National Authority for the Prohibition of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Weapons (NACW) of the Kingdom of Cambodia, concluded a National Advocacy Event focused on promoting adherence to and effective implementation of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT) on 27 June. Hosted at the Ministry of National Defence in Phnom Penh, the event gathered over 30 participants from 13 ministries and national agencies.
During the opening remarks session, Mr. Joseph Scheuer, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cambodia emphasized that “by adhering to ICSANT, Cambodia can not only reinforce its national counter-terrorism and legal frameworks but also help shape a safer Southeast Asia.”
Similarly, Mr. Andreas Berg, Deputy Head of Mission of the European Union Delegation to Cambodia reminded that “at a time of growing global insecurity, strengthening the legal, institutional, and technical tools to prevent nuclear terrorism is not just wise, but necessary”, also adding that “ICSANT reinforces national and regional efforts by providing a comprehensive legal basis for addressing the threat of nuclear terrorism and facilitating international collaboration.”
H.E. General Phorn Nara Ph.D., Secretary General of NACW stated that “while Cambodia does not possess nuclear power plants or research reactors, radioactive materials are used in sectors like industry, healthcare, and agriculture. Therefore, there is potential risk”.
UNOCT provided a briefing on the threat posed by radiological and nuclear terrorism in the region and elaborated on the support available to Member States through the Countering Terrorist Use of Weapons Programme in promoting the universalization and implementation of ICSANT.
Representatives from international organizations, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also participated in the event.
UNODC Terrorism Prevention Branch (UNODC TPB) delivered an overview of ICSANT’s provision and the benefits in adhering, as well as the available assistance, including legislative assistance, it can provide.
The Representative of UNICRI CBRN Centres of Excellence Regional Coordinator for Southeast Asia highlighted ongoing cooperation with Cambodia within the framework of the European Union CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative (EU CBRN CoE). He underlined in particular how adhering to ICSANT would contribute to fulfilling part of the CBRN National Action Plan developed by Cambodia.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) addressed the complementarity of ICSANT with the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its Amendment (A/CPPNM) and underscored the interlinkages between these instruments and the collective effort required to enhance global nuclear security.
The event concluded with interventions from representatives of relevant Cambodian Ministries and agencies. Speakers highlighted domestic measures to strengthen nuclear safety and security and discussed steps towards adherence to ICSANT.
In his closing remarks, H.E. General Phorn Nara thanked the participants and reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to preventing nuclear terrorism. He also welcomed continued cooperation with the United Nations and the European Union to build national legal frameworks aligned with international norms.
Background
The event was conducted within the framework of the European Union and the United Nations joint project on Promoting Universalization and Effective Implementation of ICSANT. The project, funded by the European Union and implemented jointly by UNOCT and UNODC, supports the universalization and effective implementation of the Convention.
ICSANT was adopted in 2005 by consensus by the United Nations General Assembly. It entered into force in 2007 and, as of June 2025, has 127 States parties.
In December 2023, the General Assembly reiterated its concern about the growing risk of linkages between terrorism and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) (A/RES/78/43). In particular, the General Assembly recognized that terrorists may seek to acquire WMD and appealed to all Member States to consider adherence to ICSANT while encouraging States parties to review their implementation.
For more information, visit our website.