CONTACT – Priority Identification Mission to the Republic of Kazakhstan

On 24-25 June 2024, UNICRI held an in-person, two-day workshop in Astana to consult with the national agencies of the Republic of Kazakhstan in charge of preventing and combating the illicit trafficking of radiological and nuclear (RN) material. The workshop was conducted within the project "CONTACT - Enhancing capacities to prevent the trafficking of radiological and nuclear material in Central Asia", launched at the end of 2023.

Over the two days, UNICRI's experts met with the state authorities with different mandates related to countering RN trafficking and discussed issues such as legal and regulatory framework; inter-agency coordination mechanisms; available assets (equipment, human resources, and expertise); regional cooperation; and future actions.

The meeting was held as a part of the Priority Identification phase of the project aimed at determining points of strength and capabilities as well as current gaps and loopholes. The event also constituted an opportunity for UNICRI to provide an overview of the project and its different phases of implementation; and to present the training curriculum on intelligence-led operations to thwart RN trafficking attempts which is specifically developed for security and law enforcement officers.

The workshop's agenda involved presentations from the participating agencies, discussions on different aspects of the project, and scenario-based discussions during which participants engaged in simulated fictional scenarios involving the illicit trafficking of RN material by organized criminal groups with an added international smuggling dimension. This exercise helped UNICRI understand competent authorities' roles and responsibilities, lines of authority, and requirements for coordination during RN materials smuggling detection and response operations

The CONTACT Central Asia project aims to enhance the capacities of security and law enforcement officials in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to prevent and counter the trafficking of radiological and nuclear material and fostering regional cooperation and exchange of information on RN trafficking-related incidents. The project is implemented by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and funded by the Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA).