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