On 8 May 2016, the Amendment to the Convention on the
Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) finally entered into
force, almost eleven years after its adoption. The world will be a more
secure place as a result of the commitments that States party to the
Amendment have made.
The Amendment establishes legally binding commitments for countries
to protect nuclear facilities as well as nuclear material in domestic
use, storage and transport. Under the Amendment, countries are required
to establish appropriate physical protection regimes for nuclear
material. They also take on new obligations to share information on
sabotage, including on credible threats of sabotage.
The entry into force of the Amendment demonstrates the international
community’s resolve to act together to strengthen nuclear security
globally. It also helps reduce the risk of an attack involving nuclear
material, which could have catastrophic consequences.
States have also made other specific commitments to improve nuclear
security, for instance through voluntary participation in initiatives
such as the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism and by
subscribing to the Joint Statement on Strengthening Nuclear Security
Implementation issued in 2014.
Through activities under successive Nuclear Security Plans, the IAEA
has been assisting States to transform these commitments into actions.
The IAEA International Conference on Nuclear Security in December 2016
provides an opportunity for States to take stock of their commitments,
as well as of the actions they have taken to fulfil those commitments,
and to consider the way forward.
This includes providing advice on the future direction of IAEA
support for nuclear security. In implementing the Nuclear Security
Plans, the IAEA has positioned itself in a leading role as the global
platform for strengthening nuclear security. Such a role builds on our
recognized technical capacities, the strength of our membership, which
currently totals 168 States, and our inclusive approach, which ensures
that the voices of all States are heard in identifying the problems and
the solutions to those problems.
Our member states recognize the IAEA’s central role in strengthening
the nuclear security framework globally. They have identified areas
where additional assistance to improve national nuclear security regimes
is required. We stand ready to respond to our Member States’ needs by
ensuring that they have the support necessary for cradle-to-grave
nuclear security. The IAEA offers an inclusive platform that can help
achieve a truly global response to a global concern.
These and other topics will be discussed during the IAEA’s International Conference on Nuclear Security: Commitments and Actions, that will take place at its Headquarters in Vienna, Austria, next week from 5 to 9 December 2016.