IAEA urges vigilance against nuclear material theft

Posted 21 May 2024

2 min read

IAEA’s Incident and Trafficking Database (ITDB) reported 168 incidents by 31 states in 2023.
- ITDB (estd 1995) provides information on illicit trafficking and unauthorized activities involving nuclear and radioactive materials outside regulatory control.

Challenges caused due to nuclear theft

Elevated risk due to coexisting of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction.
Can lead to an arms race between nations.
Improper radiological dispersal or exposure may lead to injury, loss of life.
May promote transnational organized crime such as illicit drugs, money laundering, illegal arms etc.

IAEA and its role in nuclear safety

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the main international organization responsible for promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy and preventing its use for any military purpose.

Genesis: Autonomous organization established in 1957.
Reporting: Reports annually to the UN General Assembly and UN Security Council.
Functions
- Encourages and assists research, development, and practical application of atomic energy for peaceful uses.
- Provides independent, international verification that governments are abiding by their commitments to the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
- Enhances national, regional, and international capacities to respond to nuclear and radiological incidents.

Treaties to stop nuclear proliferation

Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons only binding treaty with the goal of disarmament by the nuclear-weapon States.
Missile Technology Control Regime to limit the risks of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Nuclear Supplier Groups to prevent nuclear exports for commercial and peaceful purposes from being used to make nuclear weapons.
The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons by the UN, bans the use, possession, testing, and transfer of nuclear weapons.