Parties to the Amendment to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material Convene for the First Time

Countries all over the world use nuclear science and technology to meet their development objectives in areas including energy, health, food production, industry, water management, and environmental protection. The safety and security of the use of nuclear materials is at the forefront to prevent, detect and respond to potential incidents of theft, loss, illicit trafficking and other malicious acts. The CPPNM and its Amendment provide a framework for countries to work together to enhance nuclear security nationally, regionally and globally. The CPPNM as amended helps ensure that nuclear material and facilities are properly protected against malicious acts, and measures implemented by States to meet their obligations reduce the likelihood of malicious acts involving nuclear material and facilities.

“As nuclear is growing in importance and nuclear material becomes more prevalent, the world is changing. It is obvious for all of us that the atlas of opportunity and threat is being regrown in unpredictable ways and at unprecedented speed. It is in this context that the CPPNM as amended must serve its purpose. That means faster universalization of the A/CPPNM, faster implementation of the Treaty and its Amendment," said Mr Grossi.

Whereas the original CPPNM requires the physical protection of nuclear material used for peaceful purposes in international transport, the Amendment, which entered into force in 2016, expands the scope of the Convention to cover physical protection of nuclear facilities and nuclear material used for peaceful purposes in domestic use, storage and transport. The Amendment also adds to the list of criminal offences involving nuclear material and nuclear facilities covered under the Convention, and it strengthens the basis for international cooperation.

This first Conference to review the CPPNM as amended is supported by funding from the European Union and the Governments of Switzerland and the United States.

In addition to the role of the Director General of the IAEA as depositary of the Convention as amended, the IAEA also provides legislative and technical assistance to support States in adhering to and implementing the CPPNM and its Amendment, upon a State’s request.

The IAEA offers assistance in drafting and reviewing legislation, as well as peer reviews and advisory services on request, such as the International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS). It also offers e-learning courses to support countries in enhancing nuclear security. IAEA publications are also available to support countries in adhering to and implementing the provisions of the CPPNM as amended, including the Handbook on Nuclear Law, Volume I and Volume II, and the Nuclear Security Series.

The IAEA also holds an important role in promoting universal adherence to the CPPNM and its Amendment. In this regard, it conducts outreach activities, supports capacity building services and dedicates resources to increase awareness about the benefits of the CPPNM as amended.

As noted and reiterated by Mr Grossi today, the IAEA will continue its efforts by soon opening a Nuclear Security Training and Demonstration Centre for training on various topics of nuclear security.