Black ICE II International Coordination Exercise

Montreux, Switzerland7-8 September 2009

Delegations of Switzerland and the United States

Why a Bioterrorism Exercise for International and Regional

Organizations?

• National-level exercises revealed untested assumptions about international / regional organizations.

• Black ICE (2006) raised awareness.• Known threat with potential global impact.• Response: multisectoral, distributed authority, need for

rapid, coordinated action.• No one does this full time.

Exercise Scenario• Aerosolized plague attack during international

football match in eastern Europe.• First cases show up in hospitals 2 to 3 days after

exercise.• Initially no announcement or claim of responsibility.• Subsequent outbreaks around the world as travelers

return home.• Thousands seeking treatment – but how many are

truly infected?

Why This Scenario?

India Kenya MalaysiaMexico Poland

SwitzerlandUnited States

Many Sectors, Many Levels

BWC ISU

ICRC UN ODA IFRC

International Civil Aviation Org.

World Food Programme

INTERPOL WHO

NATOOCSE

European UnionPan American Health

OrganizationOAS

Some Key Findings• Overall responsibility and authority for response lie

with national governments.• The ability of the international community to provide

effective support depends on affected state’s ability to assess and communicate its needs.

• Preparedness is key: the best international assistance may be assistance BEFORE an attack.

Key Findings, Continued• Communication: Affected country needs ability

to share information about situation, needs, quickly and clearly.

• Not always clear who to share information with: relevant entities and how to access their capabilities not always obvious.

Role of International/Regional Organizations

• RESPONSE: Many entities have relevant capabilities; no comprehensive source of information or mechanism to request assistance at global level. (Some exist at regional level or aresector-specific).

• CAPACITY BUILDING: Wide range of programs through many organizations. Increase awareness, support and strengthen programs.

• LIMITATIONS: Lack of expertise, procedures for operating in CBRN environment could severely limit international organizations’ability to respond in some scenarios.

Recommendations• Information exchange: governments and organizations should

develop processes for standardized, streamlined exchange of information.

• Raise awareness about international capabilities: Organizations/governments with response or capacity-building capabilities should make information more readily accessible. Ideally, ALL key information accessible in one place.

• Build national capacity: Assess, strengthen key capacities BEFORE they are needed.

• Develop CBRN procedures: Organizations should review, develop, harmonize procedures, regulations, and equipment.

Contact Information Riccarda TorrianiSwiss Federal Department of

Foreign AffairsDirectorate of Political AffairsArms Control and Disarmament SectionRiccarda.Torriani@eda.admin.ch

Christopher ParkU.S. Department of StateBureau of International Security

and NonproliferationParkCh2@state.gov