The Hague, Netherlands - 25 March 2014
The Government of Canada is committed to working alongside its allies to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons as a means to enhance international security. To this end, on March 25, 2014, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Canada and the Republic of Korea will lead a joint commitment on the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540.
Canada and Korea continue to be strong advocates for the full and universal implementation of UNSCR 1540, which marks its 10th anniversary in 2014. The Resolution obliges States to take concrete steps to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems and related materials to non-state actors.
To date, over 30 countries have reaffirmed their shared commitment to concrete initiatives in support of the full and universal implementation of UNSCR 1540 by joining the statement led by Canada and Korea. The United Nations also supports the statement.
For its part, Canada has submitted three reports on its implementation of the resolution to the UNSCR 1540 Committee – in December 2004, March 2006, and January 2008 – as well as a Summary Action Plan in August 2010.
Canada's activities as a part of the Global Partnership Program are making a significant and tangible contribution to UNSCR 1540 implementation globally. Recent examples include support for six regional capacity-building workshops in several regions, as well as legislative assistance to strengthen States’ ability to combat proliferation of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons and related materials in Latin America and Southeast Asia.
