The UN Security Council discussed the threat of using weapons of mass destruction by non-state actors

On June 28, 2017, the UN headquarters in New York was a place for the UN Security Council open debates on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

Discussing within the Security Council the current threats of WMD falling into the hands of non-state actors, including terrorist groups, all participants unanimously recognized that, despite the efforts of states, the level of risk and the reality of the use of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons is increasing day by day.

According to the United Nations High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu, this danger is aggravated by the emergence of new technology innovations, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, 3D printers, and anonymous Internet portals (Dark Web), which provide non-state actors with new market positions for the purchase of equipment and dual-use materials.

Kazakhstan supported the importance of recording and tracking the changing nature of the risk's proliferation in the context of rapid progress in science and technology. In this regard, Ambassador Kairat Umarov reiterated the initiative of President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev on the need to create a register for keeping track of scientific discoveries that can be used to create and improve WMD.

In conclusion, the Kazakh diplomat urged for the consolidation of efforts of the world community to take timely constructive and preventive measures on the basis of unity and trust, thereby contributing to the strengthening of the Global Antinuclear Movement and establishing a world free of weapons of mass destruction.

Following the meeting, the UN Security Council reaffirmed the importance and need in comprehensive enhancement of the non-proliferation regime with greater vigilance and innovative approaches.