The issue of security, traditionally associated with the one of defence, has always been about the control of a country’s territory. This paradigm is evolving: today threats are globalized and, paradoxically, countries have to look beyond their own borders to guarantee the security of their citizens and ultimately to protect their own sovereignty. This is especially true with respect to issue related to security and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear material (CBRN). These materials are used daily to benefit humankind and to create the conditions for a prosperous world. However, their misuse may create an existential threat to all forms of lives, posing new challenges in term of national and international security.

Theft, sabotage unauthorized acts, illegal transfer and accidents involving CBRN agents pose new challenges in term of national and international security. CBRN materials and weapons can cause great harm. International cooperation, exchange of knowledge and expertise in the area of CBRN are crucial also considering that lack of harmonization of national prevention measures and preparedness and fragmentation of information sharing and responsibilities at international level reduce the effectiveness of prevention strategies and compromise a proper response during crisis situation. To mitigate CBRN risks of criminal, accidental or natural origin, international cooperation requires a very high level of co-operation and co-ordination, both between different national agencies as well as among countries and international and regional organizations.

Content

The workshop will deepen participants’ knowledge of the improper use of CBRN agents, the main actors in this field and the current policies and strategies to mitigate related risks. In this course, leading experts will address the nature of CBRN threats and the effective policies and strategies to mitigate criminal, accidental and natural risks. The course will review the history and strategic consequences of CBRN, how CBRN can cause harm, how they can be used as weapons of mass destruction (WMD), how they are currently controlled by international treaties and domestic legislation, and what policy issues are related to CBRN.

Participants will deepen their understanding of CBRN potential threats, policies to mitigate the risks and the role of national and international organizations work to prevent, detect and respond to potential CBRN crisis.

The following issues will be addressed during the course:

Overview of CBRN risks
CBRN-related incidents and assessing the risk of CBRN terrorism
International legal instruments on WMD non-proliferation
New challenges posed by non state actors to the international community
International legal framework in the field of CBRN risk mitigation: CBRN safety and CBRN security
CBRN security governance approach: prevention-detection preparedness and response
International cooperation and technical assistance

The lecturers are eminent scientists from nationally and internationally recognized academic and research institutions, security and crisis management experts at a global level from international organizations dealing with CBRN risk mitigation. The training module will promote transfer of good practices and enhance networking with national, regional and international organizations, and research centres.

Course information

The course will be held from 20 to 24 November 2017 at the United Nations Campus in Turin, Italy.

The training is designed for university graduates in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Social Science, Public Policy and other relevant disciplines. It is also suited to professionals working in governmental institutions, local authorities, international and non-governmental organizations.

Candidates must have a very good working knowledge of English. Upon full completion of the course UNICRI will grant a Certificate of Participation.