OSCE supports non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction

Weapons of mass destruction present a serious challenge to international peace and security. Stopping their proliferation requires a co-ordinated and comprehensive international response. United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540 requires all states to contribute to putting in place the necessary structures to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, including their means of delivery.

The OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs are holding a workshop in Vienna on 27-28 January 2011 on the implementation of UNSCR 1540 in the OSCE area, looking at how best the OSCE can promote dialogue and co-operation on the international non-proliferation regime.

“As the most inclusive and comprehensive security organization within its region, the OSCE is well-placed to make an added-value contribution to an expanding international non-proliferation regime,” said the OSCE Permanent Council Chairperson, Ambassador Renatas Norkus of Lithuania.

Johann Paschalis spoke of the scale of the challenge on behalf of the 1540 Committee of the UN Security Council: “Measures range from legislation to law enforcement, from domestic controls to regional and international co-operation, from measures to account for and secure WMD-related materials to border, export and transhipment controls, from establishing and enforcing appropriate criminal and civil penalties, to interacting with other Governments and working domestically with industry and the public.”

At the workshop representatives from governments, industry, academia and NGOs from across the OSCE region will seek to present best practices and share responses of individual nations to this challenge.