UNICRI successfully conducted the second round of the Train-the-Trainer (TTT) session, focusing on combatting the trafficking of radiological and nuclear (RN) materials through intelligence-led operations. The event took place in Sihanoukville from 20 to 23 November 2023, with10 selected inter-agency trainees from Cambodia.
This TTT session, part of the CONTACT Southeast Asia project, marked the culmination of a two year-long process that included dedicated online coaching over the recent months. Building on the success of previous iterations, the training aimed to enhance the trainees' knowledge of preventing RN trafficking through intelligence-led operations and refine their training capabilities.
The comprehensive training curriculum included individual coaching sessions, module-specific rehearsals, and scenario-based discussions grounded in real-life cases. The CONTACT Team was pivotal in facilitating practical understanding and promoting multilateral collaboration at national, regional, and international levels.
During the scenario-based discussion, participants actively engaged, sharing updates on impending legislation to address challenges in coordinating efforts related to RN trafficking. This exercise aimed to foster practical understanding and assess shared knowledge among the inter-agency trainees.
Following the successful completion of the TTT, the Cambodian trainees conducted a national training session in Phnom Penh on 24 November. The Cambodian team effectively raised awareness of RN trafficking issues among approximately 20 representatives from key security agencies.
The national training comprised four distinct sessions. It concluded with a scenario-based discussion exercise, allowing participants to apply the knowledge acquired during substantive sessions.
All these training activities were conducted within the framework of the CONTACT project – Enhancing capacities to prevent the trafficking of radiological and nuclear material in Southeast Asia – funded by Global Affairs Canada.
In the closing remarks, Major General Noeun Vitiea from the General Secretariat of the National Authority for the Prohibition of Chemical, Nuclear, Biological and Radiological Weapons (NACW) expressed gratitude for the progress achieved by trainees with the support of UNICRI. He conveyed the desire for continued collaboration with UNICRI to build upon the positive outcomes achieved.
Looking ahead, UNICRI will commence preparations for the regional tabletop exercise and final event scheduled for the first quarter of 2024, marking the official conclusion of the initiative's first phase.
About the project:
CONTACT – Southeast Asia aims to enhance the capacities of nuclear security stakeholders in Cambodia, Lao PDR, and the Philippines, to devise and carry out operations in order to thwart radiological and nuclear (RN) trafficking attempts, as well as to foster regional cooperation and communication among the three partner countries. The project is funded by Global Affairs Canada’s Weapons Threat Reduction Program.
More information about CONTACT: Enhancing capacities to prevent the trafficking of radiological and nuclear (RN) material.
