Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

In April 2004, the UN Security Council adopted resolution 1540 (UNSCR 1540) in response to uncovering an international nuclear smuggling network in late 2003. The discovery of the network’s dealings raised awareness of the need to control the supply chains of materials and technologies that can be misused for constructing deadly weaponry.

The resolution requires states to control the export and transit of any materials and ingredients that could be exploited for the manufacture of nuclear, biological or chemical weapons. These goods must be determined and named in control lists to regulate production, use, storage and transport. While the process may seem relatively straightforward, it raises issues related to the so-called dual-use items—products and technologies normally used for civilian purposes but also have military applications.

UNSCR 1540’s implementation is monitored by a committee that reports on progress, assisted by a group of experts. Additionally, states are obliged to submit their reports about national implementation to the 1540 Committee. In 2011, the UN Security Council passed a resolution calling on regional organizations to provide states with customized assistance for the effective implementation of UNSCR 1540.

Resolution 1977 (2011) / adopted by the UN Security Council

The OSCE, as the world’s largest regional security organization, responded to this call by providing capacity-building and assistance to its participating States and organizing country-specific and regional events. The Forum for Security Co-operation adopted several decisions on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Under this framework, the OSCE runs a project that assists interested participating States in producing national action plans and building up the required legislative basis concerning WMD non-proliferation. 

Forum for Security Co-operation Decision No. 19/11, Points of Contact on UN Security Council resolution 1540 (2004)

Forum for Security Co-operation Decision No. 7/13, Update of the OSCE Principles Governing Non-Proliferation

Forum for Security Co-operation Decision No. 4/15, The OSCE’s role in support of United Nations Security Council resolution 1540 (2004)

The Organization also undertakes awareness-raising activities, provides tailored training, promotes best practices and intensifies co-operation with other international organizations.

The OSCE co-operates closely with the 1540 Committee, as well as with the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, the UN Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Asia and the Pacific, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.