Kazakhstan to host workshop on implementing Security Council resolution 1540

The Government of Kazakhstan will be hosting a workshop on 11-12 March in Astana to take stock of how a decade-old Security Council resolution aimed at curbing weapons of mass destruction impacts global and regional disarmament and non-proliferation.

Officials from more than 25 countries and representatives from international, regional and subregional organizations are expected to attend the event, titled “The Contribution of UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004) to Regional and Global Disarmament and Non-Proliferation”, and hosted in cooperation with the Office of Disarmament Affairs.

The workshop will address the full scope of implementation activities, including identification of effective implementation practices and cooperation with relevant international, regional and sub-regional organizations, as well as outreach and partnerships with civil society and industry.

The Security Council, acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, unanimously adopted resolution 1540 (2004) on 28 April 2004 obliging all States to refrain from providing any form of support to non-State actors that attempt to develop, acquire, manufacture, possess, transport, transfer or use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery.  By the resolution, all States are to establish domestic controls to prevent the proliferation of these weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, including by establishing appropriate controls over related materials.

Read the original Press Release here. [source: UNODA ]