The Role of the Nuclear Watchdog: IAEA Efforts To Enhance Global Nuclear Security

The risk that nuclear or other radioactive material could be used in malicious acts is regarded as a serious threat to international peace and security. Although the responsibility for nuclear security rests entirely with each State, appropriate and effective national systems and measures for nuclear security are facilitated by the existence of common concepts and approaches, those that may be developed within the international community.

The IAEA has supported national efforts to establish and improve nuclear security since 1970. In 1975 the first Recommendations for the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material was issued as INFCIRC/225, subsequently revised four times. In the mid 1990ies, following reports of illicit nuclear trafficking, the IAEA strengthened its security related programmes and established, inter alia, the Illicit Trafficking Database Programme. Again, in 2002, the programme was significantly enhanced with the approval of the first comprehensive plan of action to protect against nuclear terrorism. The IAEA is now implementing its third Nuclear Security Plan for 2010-2013 and the international community has recognized the essential role of IAEA programme for worldwide nuclear security.

In implementing the Nuclear Security Plan, the IAEA assists and supports States national efforts to establish and improve their nuclear security regimes, and provide general contributions to achieve worldwide effective security including for circumstances when material is found to be out of regulatory control. Risk reduction, capacity building, guidance, human resource development and sustainability are important elements of the programme. The programme looks out to universal adherence to and implementation of nuclear security related international legal instruments, as well as to increased international cooperation and coordination.

The presentation will cover the IAEA Nuclear Security Plan 2010-2013, lessons learned from previous work and future directions. It will underline the need for a comprehensive and layered approach to nuclear security, with a first line of defence sustained with effective security at the facilities, locations or during transports. It will note a second line of defence - to detect unauthorized movement of nuclear and other radioactive material – as being of equal importance. It will also discuss the effective response measures for theft or other nuclear security events as essential elements of a comprehensive nuclear security system.