From healthcare and scientific research to industrial applications, radioactive sources play a vital role in modern societies. Yet, if diverted, stolen, or misused, these materials can also pose serious security risks, including potential criminal or terrorist exploitation. As the production and use of radioactive sources continue to expand across Southeast Asia, strengthening the integrity of radiological supply chains has become increasingly important. Incidents involving theft, loss of regulatory control, unauthorized use, or diversion of radioactive material can pose serious risks to public safety, security, and the environment.
Thanks to the financial support of the German Federal Ministry of Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, the SEA Chain project responds to growing regional awareness of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) risks, while addressing challenges linked to organized crime, illicit trafficking, insider threats, and vulnerabilities in transport and border security systems.
Through a supply-chain approach, the initiative aims to identify existing standards, procedures, and good practices, while supporting future action to strengthen radiological security at the national and regional levels.
To strengthen awareness, foster regional cooperation, and support the integrity of radiological material supply chains, the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) convened the first Regional Workshop on Supply Chain Security of Radioactive Sources in Southeast Asia from 6 to 8 May 2026 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Organized in cooperation with regional and national stakeholders, the workshop brought together representatives from Southeast Asian partner countries with a diverse expertise, including nuclear regulatory authorities, law enforcement practitioners and technical experts. The workshop was a key component of the SEA Chain project, since it allowed exchanging practical experiences and discuss approaches to preventing and responding to incidents involving radioactive materials in the Region.
A regional platform for cooperation and knowledge sharing
Over the course of three days, participants explored vulnerabilities and good practices associated with the different stages of radiological material supply chains. Discussions focused on production, import/export, transport and delivery systems, the use of radioactive sources, predisposal management and disposal processes.
The agenda combined expert presentations, national perspectives, scenario-based group discussions, and plenary exchanges aimed at identifying practical responses to potential incidents and strengthening cooperation among stakeholders.
Particular attention was dedicated to:
Vulnerabilities linked to the transport and handling of radioactive sources
Insider threats and criminal exploitation of weak points in supply chains
Incident response mechanisms and coordination practices
National experiences and regulatory approaches
The role of international cooperation and information sharing
Sessions also examined case-based scenarios involving radioactive isotopes such as Iodine-125 (I-125), highlighting how radioactive materials can potentially be diverted for malicious or criminal purposes.
The final day focused on end-of-use management of radioactive sources, including storage, disposal, reuse, recycling and repatriation processes, as well as recommendations to inform UNICRI’s forthcoming analytical study on radiological supply chain security in Southeast Asia.
Supporting future action on radiological security
The workshop constitutes a key milestone in the development of UNICRI’s upcoming research report on radiological supply chain security in Southeast Asia, which will consolidate regional experiences, highlight good practices, and identify future priorities for action.
The report is expected to contribute to ongoing international efforts aimed at strengthening nuclear security, enhancing resilience against radiological threats, and supporting partner countries in preventing the diversion of radioactive material for criminal or terrorist purposes.
UNICRI continues to work closely with national authorities, regional partners, and international organizations to advance integrated approaches to radiological and nuclear security, while supporting cooperation, awareness, and technical capacity-building efforts across Southeast Asia and beyond.