Transparency data

Countering Proliferation: objectives 2020 to 2021

Updated 24 June 2021

1. Overview

The UK’s overall objective for this programme is to prevent the spread or further development of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear capability (CBRN) or advanced military technology, as well as the illicit transfer of conventional weapons, which could threaten global or regional stability. This is set out in full in the National Counter Proliferation Strategy to 2020 and the FCDO’s Counter Proliferation Programme Strategy (both currently under review). The FCDO works to advance this objective through the rules based international system.

Delivery of objectives is underpinned by financial resources provided by the IPF and CSSF.

2. Objectives on countering proliferation

Rules and norms to counter the proliferation of illicit arms and weapons of mass destruction play a vital role in our security. The UK’s National Security Risk Assessment (NSRA) highlights two key proliferation-related risks:

• attacks using Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN) weapons
• weapons proliferation: increase in either conventional armaments or CBRN technology

FCDO efforts to address these risks are focused on three strands of work:

• influencing intent: encouraging all states to adhere to norms on the possession and use of particular weapons, and to demonstrate the consequences of breaching those norms
• controlling access: controlling access to materials and knowledge globally to make it as hard as possible for states or terrorists to acquire or develop capabilities
• disrupting networks: disrupting illicit attempts to circumvent controls

3. Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Countering Proliferation

FCDO’s countering proliferation programme is funded by a blend of ODA and non-ODA funds. ODA scoring within the programme is limited to ODA-eligible activities in DAC-listed countries.

Activities funded by this programme support the security, prosperity and development of ODA-eligible countries in various ways, including through activities which strengthen global rules and institutions supporting international peace and security which ODA-eligible countries rely on in order to develop. Assistance also helps developing countries use science and technology for permitted peaceful purposes to aid their development.

Counter-proliferation is a part of any country’s national security. Activity such as promoting robust export controls prevents the unregulated transfers of conventional arms and dual use goods which can feed instability and conflict in poorer countries. To that end, we are working to strengthen security; improve law enforcement cooperation e.g. in sub-Saharan Africa. Establishing and maintaining rules and laws to counter the proliferation of CBRN allows developing economies to benefit from the peaceful uses of these technologies, while ensuring that the technologies do not fall into the hands of terrorists or criminals.

4. Counter proliferation project objectives for financial year (FY) 2020 to 2021

The UK supports assistance to ODA-eligible countries in fulfilling their obligations under international treaties, and developing their capacity to implement controls. It also seeks to support the international treaties, regimes and organisations, which provide the crucial underpinning of these controls.

In support of this, key work streams under this programme include activities to:

• support, strengthen and extend the rules-based international regimes, treaties and organisations which underpin global non-proliferation, security and disarmament norms
• increase effective implementation of global conventional arms control and counter-proliferation norms, treaties and obligations by ODA-eligible countries
• assist states in improving the physical security and management of national ammunition stockpiles and in ensuring that their relevant strategies, standards and procedures are in line with best practice

5. Geographical coverage of Countering Proliferation Programme during FY 2020 to 2021

This programme’s work is conducted through multilateral regimes, such as the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention and non-governmental organisations with expertise in counter-proliferation issues. We work closely with such partners to deliver impact across a wide range of geographical areas where there is a need to support counter-proliferation efforts.

6. Countering Proliferation Programme during FY 2019 to 2020

Past successes under this programme have included support to international investigations into chemical weapons use in Syria and support to aspiring states and new members of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) to improve their arms control systems so that they meet the Treaty’s obligations.

The programme’s work and impact is long term and is continuing throughout FY 2019 to 2020. A number of projects in the programme for FY 2019 to 2020 continue work on nuclear verification and capacity building that began in FY 2018 to 2019.

Successes include:

• supporting member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African regional organisation, to review and develop their systems to prevent, detect and address the illicit circulation of small arms and light weapons
• providing support to enhance the capacity of countries in Asia, including China and member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to prevent the illicit trade and diversion of WMD-related materials and conventional arms
• sharing best practices and engaging in constructive dialogue via the international fora supporting a network of countries to strengthen the protection of their civilian nuclear facilities from cyberattacks
• promoting chemical industry security best practices through training in partnership with the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) empowering local chemical industry associations in Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, Ghana, and Tanzania to adopt voluntary industry security standards. As a result, Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana have each made commitments to implement Responsible Care (RC) security programmes. Linkages between ICCA affiliates and respective authorities in the three countries have also been established, ensuring sustainability of the programme and avenues for the ICCA follow-up
• promoting robust cultures aimed to prevent insider threats at nuclear facilities through workshops attended by Iraq, Jordan and Libya. Participants have since implemented Human Reliability Programme (HRP) best practices, and developed comprehensive action plans. The project also helped foster regional ties between participants for a sustained best practise share and improved nuclear security culture. Participants from Iraq and Jordan have since conducted follow up workshops and lectures at their home institutions to disseminate information more widely to senior officials
• hosting a Wilton Park Conference for engagement with the UN Ammunition Group of Government Experts to support and guide their work

Non-ODA project activity:

The FCO’s counter proliferation programme includes a range of projects. A notable example is continuation of a long-term Falklands Demining Programme - a project to remove all anti-personnel mines on the Islands that were laid in the 1982 conflict, making progress towards declaring the Falklands mine-free.

7. Counter Proliferation Programme allocation for FY 2020 to 2021

The ODA budget for the counter proliferation programme is £300,000.