As the Olympics move to the global stage, China and the IAEA are working behind-the-scenes to bolster the country´s security plan and minimize threats. A training workshop for security officers and officials concluded this week in Beijing that builds upon joint efforts over the past year.
"We have been working with the Chinese authorities over the last 18 months to add a radiological dimension to their existing security plans so that security for the Olympics is as comprehensive as possible," said Anita Nilsson, Director of the IAEA´s Office of Nuclear Security, speaking to members of the international press corps today at IAEA headquarters.
The thrust of the IAEA´s work in Beijing this week is to help integrate radiological planning into existing security arrangements for police, intelligence community and bomb squads based in China. Through advisory missions and training exercises, the IAEA is assisting Chinese authorities with various aspects of radiation detection, physical protection, and emergency response. Efforts to enhance nuclear security arrangements for the Games are largely coordinated with the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA).
"To guard and look after the Games and its visitors - as the Chinese are doing - is a responsible way of acting," said Ms. Nilsson.
For several years now, the IAEA has provided specialized technical assistance and expert advice to countries who host major public international events. In addition to its work on the 2008 Summer Games, the IAEA has supported nuclear security measures for the 2004 Olympics in Greece, the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, and the 2007 Pan American Games in Brazil. It is also working with Peru on security aspects related to a regional event taking place later this year.
The Summer Olympic Games will take place in Beijing from 8-24 August.
Background
The IAEA´s work in the field of nuclear security is not restricted merely to large-scale events. Through international conferences, training courses, seminars, workshops, and security guidance publications, the Office of Nuclear Security helps Member States to provide infrastructure to protect nuclear and other radioactive materials from theft and diversion, protect nuclear installations and transport against sabotage and other malicious acts, and to combat illicit trafficking of nuclear or other radiological materials.
The IAEA has also completed cooperative agreements with several of its Member States to assist in the formation of security planning.