Security Council
Non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction - Security Council, 9973rd meeting
Amid an evolving and challenging international security landscape, speakers in the Security Council underscored the continued relevance of its Committee tasked with monitoring and supporting efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to non-State actors.
Delegates welcomed the Committee’s efforts in training, capacity-building, and assistance to Member States, but called for an end to the political deadlock hampering the Committee’s work, including the adoption of its programme of work and the appointment of experts to vacant posts. Some divergence of views emerged regarding export controls and the peaceful use of technology and nuclear materials.
On 28 April 2004, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 1540 (2004) under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, affirming that the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and their means of delivery constitutes a threat to international peace and security. The text obliges States, inter alia, to refrain from supporting non-State actors from developing, acquiring, manufacturing, possessing, transporting, transferring or using such weapons and their means of delivery.
- Briefer : Mr. Eloy Alfaro de Alba, Permanent Representative of Panama in his capacity as Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004)
- Statements: All Council members
- Further statements: China, United States of America


