OAS - Organization of American States

Published purpose

This project builds on previous efforts funded by Canada and contributes to strengthening the capacities of Colombia, Jamaica, Panama, Paraguay, and Uruguay in developing standardized national legislative frameworks, including providing legislative assistance. Specifically, the activities focus on combating the proliferation of weapons and materials of mass destruction, supporting the preparation and submission of National Action Plans to the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 Committee, and fostering regional expertise in non-proliferation. Project activities include: (1) planning and organizing a national workshop in Panama on effective response to chemical, biological, and nuclear incidents; (2) planning and organizing 2 peer review exercises on best practices and legislative approaches for implementing UNSCR 1540; (3) planning and organizing a regional workshop in Colombia on biosecurity and biosafety; (4) planning and organizing a national workshop in Jamaica on counterterrorism, biosecurity, and non-proliferation; and (5) planning and organizing a side event at the United Nations General Assembly in New York to link UNSCR 1540 with the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC).