International Law and Chemical, Biological, Radio-Nuclear (CBRN) Events - Towards an All-Hazards Approach

The present volume aims at assessing the current legal framework governing CBRN risks and events and envisaging how this framework might be further developed and better implemented. In particular, the volume intends to develop a consistent definition of CBRN events, adopting an ‘all-hazards’ approach, covering both the intentional and accidental release of CBRN substances. Moreover, it seeks to identify in a systematic and comprehensive way all existing obligations, both in times of war and in times of peace. In this respect, the decision has been made to map relevant obligations according to the four phases of the emergency management cycle: namely, prevention (ie measures aimed at reducing the risk of a CBRN event), preparedness (eg measures aimed at developing response capabilities should a CBRN emergency occur), response (eg standards and best practices to adopt in order to adequately respond and minimise the risks) and recovery (eg duties to ensure a timely recovery from a CBRN event).