The specific items usually discussed as part of the Peer Review include: (1) legal and regulatory frameworks (i.e. control lists); (2) general provisions for administrative and criminal violations; (3) preventing dual use emerging technology (goods, software) from being used to develop weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery; and (4) the United Nations Act (UN Act) – domestic implementation of UN Security Council resolutions.
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This UNODA-supported Peer Review represents the first of its kind in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. It is hoped that this Peer Review will set the stage and serve as a pilot exercise for numerous other States in the region wishing to follow suit. In support of this initiative, the government of Japan participated as an Observer, lending relevant input and guidance where appropriate.
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The first session of the Peer Review, held in Manila from 28 to 29 May 2024, was comprised of interactive case scenarios ranging in topics, such as interagency collaboration and knowing-your-stakeholders, operating a robust licensing system, catch-all controls and seizure and forfeiture. An interactive session was also conducted on the identification of items (and entities) of concern and concluded with a mock trial on enforcement mechanisms, including investigation and prosecution.
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The second Peer Review consultation took place in Singapore from 4 to 5 September 2024 to arrive at a final outcome document, which was formally submitted to the 1540 Committee at the UNHQ in New York in October 2024 . A copy of the Outcome Document can be found here: Download