Parliamentarians enlightened on nuclear security |21 July 2023

A souvenir photograph

Members of the National Assembly, including representatives from the assembly’s secretariat, the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) and the Seychelles Police, yesterday attended a half-day workshop promoting the universality and implementation of the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT).

The workshop on nuclear security which was held at the Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa, Beau Vallon, was organised by the Office of the leader of government business, in collaboration with Parliamentarians for Global Actions (PGA), under the theme Nuclear and Radiological Security.

It was opened by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Roger Mancienne.

The objective of the workshop is to provide the members of the National Assembly, including the leader of the opposition, Hon. Sebastien Pillay and deputy Speaker Hon. Gervais Henrie, an opportunity to understand the benefits of ICSANT, and exchange insights with key stakeholders, given that they will be deliberating on the act to come before the National Assembly, following the country’s intention to ratify the treaty signed in 2005.

It is also to help in the preparation of a National Parliamentary Plan of Action by the parliamentarians against nuclear threats.

Also present at the opening stage of the session was the Minister for Internal Affairs, Errol Fonseca.

The workshop was facilitated by Peter Barcroft, senior director, International Peace and Security Programme PGA and Francesca Andrian, programme officer, Terrorism Prevention Branch, United Office and Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Hubert Foy, director at African Centre for Science and International Security (AFRCSIS), who conducted their sessions online.

In his keynote address, Speaker Mancienne said that the assembly is committed to fullfilling its obligations with all affiliated international organisations, particularly with the parliamentary organisations where they can make contributions towards global action of importance.

He added that amid the geopolitical emerging threats on the use of nuclear weapons to achieve political and sectorial gains among other modernised weaponry and scientific inventions which can bring threats, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy that unfortunately can also heighten the possibility of harmful use, our country will remain in step with all the meaningful global actions to keep the nuclear threats at the forefront of our attention, to find ways to lessen the race and to pursue collective efforts to counter them. 

He pledged that the National Assembly will be ready to take up any nuclear matters before it and will also champion the cause of nuclear security and safety.

“The issue of nuclear terrorism is like a very cold run of fire under the grounds that we walk on every day. In two weeks’ time, on August 6, the world will mark the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. It is fitting that we should be reminded of the horror of this event. It is never a pleasure to dwell on the tragic occasions in world history but we need to take lessons. The destruction and devastation caused by this event should be a reminder of the commitment to peace and security in the world,” said Speaker Mancienne.

Earlier in his welcoming remarks, the leader of government business, Honourable Bernard Georges, explained that PGA is working in the background to urge states through individual parliamentarians to achieve objectives by mobilising legislatures as champion for human rights, democracy and peace.

He noted that the PGA objective does not operate through parliament but through the individual members. He urged other members of the National Assembly to join PGA to help it in achieving objectives and spreading its specific campaigns.

He added that ratifying the treaty will see our country playing a vital role in the suppression of nuclear threats.     

He later said, “The treaty has been signed by government and it will come to us for ratification. But before that PGA thought it would be a good idea to explain to the members of the National Assembly, especially the International Affairs Committee and the Defence and Security Committee, what the treaty is all about so that when it comes to the assembly, we can have a very good debate on it.”

Speaking to Seychelles NATION, Mr Barcroft, who gave an overview of the act, said it is also relevant to our country because no country, large or small, including those that are not even involved in nuclear activities, are immune from risks of individuals or terrorists looking to make or manufacture nuclear materials.

“It is not about nuclear weapon, it’s not even about nuclear power. It’s about how do we deal with situations where you have individuals who can be terrorists and individuals who have an interest in causing harm and chaos, and what legislation do we have that can criminalise their behaviour, that can act as a deterrent that discourage them considering taking these actions,” said Mr Barcroft, who noted that ICSANT clearly addresses the issue of individuals who may want to use nuclear materials to create harm and chaos 

Mr Barcroft stated that given our country has signed the treaty, it is important that we ratify it to show our support and agreement to its binding provisions.

Founded in 1978, the main office of PGA is located in New York City, while the seat of the PGA Foundation is in The Hague (The Netherlands), in proximity of the International Court of Justice, The Hague Academy of International Law and the International Criminal Court.

Patrick Joubert