SUMMARY REPORT

Kindly supported by the Weapons Threat Reduction Program of Global Affairs Canada, PGA's International Peace and Security Program organized a National Parliamentary Session (NPS) on Nuclear and Radiological Security in Harare, Zimbabwe on February 12th, 2024.

Zimbabwe has ratified a significant number of treaties promoting nuclear and radiological security worldwide in the past few years and the focus of this National Parliamentary Session was, specifically, on implementation of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM), the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (A/CPPNM) as well as the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT). 

The Keynote Address was delivered by Hon. Levi Mayihlome, MP, Deputy Defense Minister of Zimbabwe. 

Opening Remarks were delivered by Hon. Arthur Nguluvhe, MP, Chairperson of Portfolio Committee of Defense, Home Affairs and Security Services of the National Assembly of Zimbabwe and H.E. Mr. Adler Aristilde, Ambassador of Canada to Zimbabwe.

Expert presentations were provided by Ms. Vongai Mavurayi-Mutanga, Company Secretary, Radiation Protection Authority of Zimbabwe (RPAZ), Dr. Jonathan Herbach, Legal Officer, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr. Artem Lazarev, Programme Office, Counter-Terrorism CBRN Division, United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime and Mr. Peter Barcroft, Senior Director, International Peace and Security Program, PGA.

The gendered differentiated impact of the deployment or release of nuclear or radiological weapons or materials was also considered in a dedicated panel session of this National Parliamentary Session. 

Participants participated in several engaging interactive sessions, providing ample opportunity for many questions, comments and observations that were made. 

A number of different Points of Action were considered and adopted at the conclusion of the National Parliamentary Session for possible follow-up actions and initiatives. 

Participants were also encouraged to remain in contact with the RPAZ, IAEA, UNODC and PGA in connection with any supplementary guidance that might be needed to encourage steps to domesticate CPPNM, A/CPPNM and ICSANT into domestic law.  

PGA is most grateful to the National Assembly of Zimbabwe, Global Affairs Canada and former PGA Member Hon. Kindness Paradza in enabling and facilitating the organization of this event.