IAEA and UNODC Join Forces in Promoting the Legal Framework for Nuclear Security

At a joint seminar, the IAEA and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) discussed the importance and benefits of key international legal instruments in the area of nuclear security, and presented their programmes to support countries in adhering to and implementing them.

Sixty four participants representing 40 countries that are not yet parties either to the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (A/CPPNM) or the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT) attended the seminar from 18 to 20 June 2024, which aimed to encourage universal adherence to and effective implementation of both these conventions.

Among the key messages echoed at this event was the importance of adherence to the two instruments that will strengthen the global nuclear security architecture, as well as of robust collaboration that will contribute to shared goals of enhancing nuclear security worldwide and help ensure that common threats such as nuclear terrorism are addressed effectively.

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Under-Secretary-General and UNODC Executive Director Ghada Fathy Waly, in their joint opening address to the participants, emphasized the importance of the A/CPPNM and ICSANT in supporting countries to enhance legislative and regulatory frameworks to strengthen global nuclear security.

"It's a real benefit to have the unique strengths of our two organizations come together for this important topic. We need to reduce as much as possible the chance of nuclear or radioactive material being used to cause pain and panic," noted Director General Grossi. He added that: "Getting nuclear security right is crucial so that nuclear power can play its part in providing the low-carbon energy needed to reach our climate and energy security goals."

In her remarks, UNODC Executive Director Waly said: "We must have strong frameworks for criminal deterrence and accountability. UNODC and IAEA are determined to help make these international legal instruments universal".

The ambassadors of Canada and the United States of America, as well as the Head of the UN Section at the European Union Delegation in Vienna, attended the seminar and highlighted the importance of both instruments and the need for continuous international cooperation.

At the event, IAEA and UNODC experts presented the synergies between the A/CPPNM and ICSANT, as well as the legislative and technical assistance available to countries. The seminar included a comprehensive fictional case study designed to explore the benefits of adherence to and implementation of these instruments. Participants also actively discussed and exchanged information on their current status and plans with regard to joining the A/CPPNM and ICSANT. The discussions resulted in the identification of several challenges in joining and implementing both key legal instruments, including limited awareness and resource constraints.

As of June 2024, there are 164 parties to the CPPNM, of which 136 have joined the Amendment. South Africa became the latest party to the A/CPPNM in February 2024. With the adherence of Palau in February 2024, there are currently 124 parties to ICSANT.