IAEA Media Advisories
Media Advisory 2007/18
International Conference on Illicit Nuclear Trafficking: Collective Experience and the Way Forward
30 October 2007 | Representatives of more than 70 countries will meet in Edinburgh, 19 – 22 November, to assess future challenges from trafficking in nuclear and other radioactive material and review how effectively the threat is being met.
The International Conference on Illicit Nuclear Trafficking: Collective Experience and the Way Forward, organized by the IAEA and hosted by the government of the UK in the Edinburgh Convention Centre, will be open to the press.
The event will provide participants a forum for reviewing achievements in curbing the unlawful movement of radioactive and nuclear material. They will be asked to identify ways to strengthen the international community´s defense against future threats and to pay attention to the IAEA´s nuclear security programme and make recommendations for its ongoing course.
About 300 participants, from nuclear security, intelligence, justice, regulatory, customs, border control, law enforcement and non-governmental organizations are expected to attend the conference.
Steps to combat the risk from trafficking in nuclear and radioactive material are now considered a routine part of providing public security, said Anita Nilsson, head of the IAEA´s Office of Nuclear Security.
For example, the IAEA has provided support and technical advice to the Athens Olympic Games, the Football World Cup, and this year´s Pan American Games, hosted by Brazil, and other events, as well as taking numerous steps to improve nuclear security.
She also noted that international concern is demonstrated by the emergence of new or strengthened legal instruments such as the Convention on Nuclear Terrorism, amendments to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and UN Security Council Resolutions which obligate States and the IAEA to take more actions in this area.
The IAEA Illicit Trafficking Database (ITDB) provides a window on trafficking and other criminal or unauthorized activities involving nuclear and other radioactive material. To date, the ITDB has received reports from participating States on approximately 1250 incidents ranging from illegal possession, attempted sale and smuggling, to unauthorized disposal of these materials and recoveries of radioactive sources.
Journalists wishing to cover the event can register online or email Ms. Evelyn Prinz-Ortiz or call [43-1] 2600-21276.
Related Resources:
» Story: International Conference on Illicit Nuclear Trafficking To Open in Edinburgh
Press Contact
Peter Rickwood
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Media and Outreach Section
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About the IAEA
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) serves as the world's foremost intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical co-operation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Established as an autonomous organization under the United Nations (UN) in 1957, the IAEA carries out programmes to maximize the useful contribution of nuclear technology to society while verifying its peaceful use.
NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit the Press Section of the IAEA's website (http://www.iaea.org/Resources/Journalists/), or call the IAEA's Division of Public Information at (431) 2600-21270.