Transparency data

Countering Proliferation: objectives 2018 to 2019

Published 20 September 2018

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 or advanced military technology, as well as the illicit transfer of conventional weapons, which could threaten global or regional stability. The FCO works to advance this objective through the rules based international system thus helping to safeguard international security against proliferation-related risks, and protecting UK interests. This helps us to protect our people and populations worldwide, advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, through reducing security threats, as well as supporting the UK’s objectives under its National Security Strategy and UK Aid Strategy.

2. FCO 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 National Counter Proliferation Strategy identifies two key proliferation-related risks:

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

FCO 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

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.

Counter-proliferation is a key tenet 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 stockpile security, build capacity to destroy surpluses, and 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.

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

4. Countering proliferation project objectives

The UK provides assistance to ODA-eligible countries in signing and ratifying international treaties, developing national legislation, 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:

• improve civilian capacity at a national level to implement CBRN international security regimes, treaties and initiatives
• increase awareness and understanding of CBRN security issues and the roles and responsibilities of states, industry and academia
• improve export controls, including the integration of internationally recognised controls in national legislation in ODA-eligible countries
• improve states’ implementation of United Nation Security Council (UNSC) sanctions resolutions
• support, strengthen and extend the rules-based international regimes, treaties and organisations which prevent the spread of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and 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
• reduce illicit proliferation and diversion risks to make it as hard as possible for criminals, terrorists and illegal armed groups to access Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear materials and expertise as well as conventional weapons and ammunition, and denying States the capabilities and their means of delivery that would threaten stability and UK vital interests - including overseas

5. Geographical coverage of countering proliferation programme during financial year 2018 to 2019

Much of this programme’s work is conducted through multilateral institutions such as the United Nations, G7, European Union, and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, as well as through non-governmental organisations with expertise in counter-proliferation issues. We work closely with such partners across a wide range of geographical areas where there is a need to support counter-proliferation efforts.

6. Countering proliferation programme during financial year 2018 to 2019

Past successes under this programme have included, for example, 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 financial years 2018 to 2019 and 2019 to 2020. Success for financial year 2017 to 2018 include:

• helping to improve national implementation of conventional arms control mechanisms in Commonwealth countries. Strengthening regional law enforcement cooperation in sub Saharan Africa to increase detection and reporting of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and providing training and equipment for wildlife services and border police in East Africa to combat the illicit wildlife trade
• supporting a successful fact finding mission by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in Syria on the use of toxic chemicals