18-20 Oct. 2006

Protecting civilian populations against CBRN attacks Background Defence against terrorism (DAT) programme Over 100 experts and emergency service personnel met in Oslo, 18-20 October, to put into practice NATO-recommended Minimum Standards and Non-Binding Guidelines for responses to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) incidents. These guidelines recommend a minimum level of national preparedness for protecting civilian populations against CBRN risks.  Nations adopt these standards and guidelines on a voluntary basis. Focus on training, assistance As part of the implementation of the guidelines, a training curriculum and programme has been developed for 'first responders' - personnel that is first on the scene in the event of an incident. A framework was also developed for providing advice and assistance to the countries in planning, preparedness and response to CBRN threats. The Conference was addressed by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Justice and Police, M. Terje Moland Pedersen, the Deputy Foreign Minister; Mr. Kjetil Skogrand, the Political Adviser of the Ministry of Defence, Ms. Ragnhild Mathisen, as well as the NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Mr. Maurits Jochems. Participants from 29 NATO, Partner and Mediterranean Dialogue countries attended the conference which culminates a project launched in early 2004 under the auspices of NATO’s Civil Protection Committee.  It is a further example of practical partnership cooperation between NATO and Partner countries in the field of civil emergency planning.