Building Cambodia’s capacities to prevent and respond to radiological and nuclear threats
The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) held a “Basic Radiological/Nuclear Threats Course” in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from 24 to 27 June 2025. The training was organized by the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT) in UNOCT, in close collaboration with the National Authority for the Prohibition of Chemical, Nuclear, Biological and Radiological Weapons (NACW) of Cambodia and with funding from the European Union (EU).
Hosted by the Ministry of National Defense, the training convened 34 practitioners and experts from eight Cambodian ministries (Commerce; Environment; Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation; Interior; Mine and Energy) and national authorities (Counter-Terrorism Special Force; General Department of Customs and Excise; NACW) to strengthen technical knowledge and inter-agency coordination in detecting, preventing, and responding to radiological and nuclear (R/N) terrorism threats.
Participants discussed foundational R/N concepts, crime scene procedures, sampling methods, instrumentation theory, and survey techniques. They also exchanged experiences on operational protocols, use of equipment and administrative measures essential for building confidence and preparedness. The training was further enriched by sessions on gender and human rights considerations while countering R/N terrorism and a practical tabletop exercise simulating a radiological incident.
Community of practitioners
A session was dedicated to strengthening national collaboration among R/N and counter-terrorism professionals, with a focus on enhancing information-sharing and interagency coordination. Participants were briefed on key aspects of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT), particularly its role in facilitating cooperation and information-sharing among States Parties to bolster nuclear security. The session also introduced UNOCT Connect & Learn Platform aimed at promoting exchanges between practitioners from different countries and agencies.
Background
The event was conducted within the framework of the joint project of the European Union and the United Nations on Supporting Universalization and Effective Implementation of ICSANT, which is funded by the European Union and implemented jointly by UNOCT and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Adopted in 2005 by consensus by the United Nations General Assembly, ICSANT entered into force in 2007 and now counts, 127 States parties (as of June 2025).
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.
