GHANA TO HOST SEMINAR ON SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 1540, 9-10 NOVEMBER

 

NEW YORK, 8 November (Department for Disarmament Affairs) -- A United Nations seminar, entitled “Implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 in Africa”, is scheduled to be held in Accra, Ghana, from 9 to 10 November 2006.  The seminar is organized by the Department for Disarmament Affairs, through its Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa, and sponsored by the European Union and the Government of Norway.

On 28 April 2004, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1540 (2004) under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.  This was the first formal decision by the Security Council, affirming that the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, as well as their means of delivery, constitutes a threat to international peace and security.  The resolution imposes binding obligations on all States to take measures to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, in particular for terrorist purposes, including by establishing appropriate controls over related materials, and adopt legislative measures in that respect.  On 27 April, the Security Council extended the mandate of the 1540 Committee for two years (Security Council resolution 1673) and decided to intensify outreach efforts to promote its full implementation.

The seminar is the first outreach activity of the 1540 Committee in Africa.  It is addressing, inter alia, the current status of implementation of Security Council resolution 1540; prohibitions specific to the resolution; and measures related to accounting, securing and the physical protection of nuclear, chemical and biological items, including related materials and means of delivery.  It is focusing on international assistance, as well as lessons learned since the adoption of the resolution.

Approximately 50 participants from governmental sectors, mainly from Africa, international, regional and subregional organizations will attend.

For further information, contact:  Thomas Markram at markram@un.org or 212 963 0008.

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