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ICRC’s operational response to an alleged deliberate use of a Biological Agent
Johnny Nehme, Ph.D.Head of CBRN Sector
International Committee of the Red CrossWeapons Contamination UnitAssistance Division
CBRN Operational Response
Current Structure
Weapon Contamination Unit
Head Quarters • Head of Unit• CBRN Head of Sector - Conventional Weapons Head of Sector• Medical Advisor
Partnership• (National Society, Civil Defense, Others..)
Field Level• CBRN Technical Advisor• 5 WEC Regional Advisors• WEC Delegates• Emergency roster of experts
CBRN Operational Response
Mandate
The ICRC’s international mandate is to assist and protect victims of
armed conflict (AC) and other situations of violence (OSV),
including potential risks from chemical, biological, radiological and
nuclear (CBRN) hazards.
International law – Biological Weapons Convention (BWC),
Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and customary international
humanitarian law (IHL) - provides an absolute prohibition on use of
these weapons
In AC and OSV, ICRC focuses on CBRN Agent use:
• Accidental - Industrial/Military
• Conflict related - Intentional/ consequence
• Terrorism
• Minimise risks to staff health, safety, security
• Ensure continuation of activities
• Provide assistance to affected people
Key objectives
CBRN Operational Response
Approach
CBRN Operational Response
Approach
• Risk assessment is the key
Accidental - Industrial/Military
Conflict related - Intentional/ consequence
Terrorism
Risk Management Approach
Situation
• Key Events
• Current Status
• Risk priority
Direction
• Aim
• Objectives
Action
• Task
• Resources (Specialist,Facility,Plant,Equipment,
Material, Systems..)
• Time
CBRN Operational Response
Approach
Service to ICRC Operations
CBRN Operational Response
Competency standards and SOP
• Self-Protection
• Reconnaissance
• Detection / Contamination Management
• Medical Back up
• Medical Care
• Dead Body Management
• Weapon Contamination Management
Assistance to Affected People when possible
CBRN Operational Response
Capacity building to fit competency standards
•CBRN reconnaissance specialist Training : Reconnaissance Team Leader Contamination Management
•Basic Field CBRN training : “Survive to operate”. Provide support
•CBRN Doctors : Medical back up to CBRN team and Assistance
•Capacity building to NS/ Civil defense, according to context
Operational Response
Allegations of deliberate use of a Biological Agent
In armed conflict or other situations of violence, allegations could be made
that:
• One or more of the conflict parties has deliberately used a biological
agent as a weapon
• Could be supported by witness accounts, audio-visual records (e.g. video
footage, photographs) or physical exhibits (e.g. fragments of weaponry,
environmental samples)
Confidential Assessment of the allegations is mandatory
Operational Response
Assessment of Allegations Modality
• The CBRN response capacity is developed according to the ICRC’s
working modality (Confidentiality) and the Movement principles.
• ICRC will consider any action carefully in the particular context
respecting the key objectives
• In relation to article VII of the Biological Weapons Convention, the
ICRC’s response will always focus on assisting and protecting the
victims, without excluding however potential assistance to a State.
• The response may include prevention, preparation and it comprises
rapid deployment operations to perform reconnaissance, detection,
decontamination, and assistance to the population, proportionally to
its capacity. It also incorporates the possibility to recall States for their
obligations on this matter.
• In AC and OSV ICRC coordinates the movement activities
CBRN Operational Response
Confidential Assessment of AllegationsIn order to determine the credibility of an allegationSystematic, objective, and timely assessment when possible of:- The nature of the allegations (Several ICRC departments) - The nature of the exposure (Recce Team)- Adverse health consequences (CBRN Dr)- Sample analysis at the scene of exposure or during medical
/forensic examinations of victims. (Recce Team + Partner lab)
This will contribute to:- Providing the best possible and specific medical care for victims - Providing the most accurate information on the circumstances
(i.e. deliberate, accidental, type of agent…) - Confidential Bilateral dialogue- Call to states for their obligations under IHL
Access and confidentiality are key
Operational Response
Challenges whilst responding to an outbreak of disease
• A reaction or a non-reaction may be interpreted as
upholding or rejecting the allegations• The difficulty to prove that the release of the agent was
intentional, and the time and format of its release• The political and security implications for any organisation
or agency that, comes into possession of informationpertaining to whether the outbreak resulted from adeliberate release.
• This might put the ICRC in a sensitive situation whileensuring its neutrality and impartiality in relation to thepossession of such information.
• Consequences on contributing to coordinationmechanisms. ICRC should be able to ensure confidentiality.
CBRN Operational Response
1. Risk assessment2. Information received of contamination People
and premises3. Provide direction for
evacuation/decontamination4. Local medical assistance 5. Cordoning the area6. CBRN Specialist on site7. Confinement of the contamination8. Decontamination of site9. Disposal of contamination
CBRN Operational Response
Lessons Learnt (So Far…)
• Emphasize on prevention• Build a contingency plan • Think of side activities (i.e pumping out latrines)• Last minute logistical constraints should not encourage
concessions on safety • At all times adapt protection measures of staff to the actual
risk of exposure (A tool was developed - presence in contaminated environment, type of exposure, time)
• Encourage involved states to keep the focus on the victims of the outbreak while ensuring security
• Encourage states to ensure access of aid agencies at all times
CBRN Operational ResponseResources
• ICRC resource center online http://www.icrc.org/eng/resources/publications-films/index.jsp
International Committee of the Red Cross
Thank You