IAEA Steps Up Fight Against Nuclear Terrorism
Nuclear Security display at the 47th IAEA General Conference. (Credit: D. Calma/IAEA)
The IAEA´s Nuclear Security Fund has reached nearly $23 million, as measures to stop nuclear-related sabotage and terrorism roll out.
A total of nearly $23 million has been pledged to the Fund in voluntary contributions from 21 countries and one donor organization, of which over $13 million has been received. The money is being used to strengthen countries´ nuclear security arrangements against malicious acts.
As part of efforts to prevent nuclear sabotage, the IAEA is helping Member States identify and protect vulnerabilities at their nuclear installations, including nuclear material in use, storage or transport. The Agency has run 40 related advisory and evaluation missions throughout Europe, Asia and Latin America since September 2001, and convened 60 training courses, workshops and seminars.
In his opening address to the 47th General Conference, IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei warned against complacency. "Despite the increased level of attention given to the security of radioactive sources since September 2001, many countries still lack the programs and resources to properly respond to the threat of nuclear and radiological terrorism," he said.
The IAEA´s database on illicit trafficking tracks reported cases involving nuclear and radiological materials. The Agency has boosted efforts to help States:
- Locate and secure orphaned radioactive sources;
- Develop emergency plans in the event of radiological emergencies from malicious acts;
- Encourage strong national regulatory oversight bodies and national source registries; and
- Provide training and assistance to prevent illicit nuclear trafficking.
As part of efforts to counter nuclear smuggling, the Agency is helping beef-up Member States abilities to detect radioactive material at their borders and respond to illicit trafficking. In this area the Agency works with other international organizations, including Interpol, Europol, the Universal Postal Union and the European Commission.
"On the safety and security front, we can take satisfaction in the degree of progress," Dr ElBaradei said. "But we must remain vigilant, and clearly much work is still urgently needed".
See here a detailed summary of the progress to date in implementing the IAEA nuclear security action plan.
