Nuclear Security
In March 2002 the IAEA Board of Governors approved a Plan of Activities to Protect Against Nuclear Terrorism, which enhanced and integrated the Agency’s existing nuclear security-related activities. In September 2005, the Board approved a new Nuclear Security Plan covering the period 2006-2009.
The new Plan builds on exisiting international legal instruments and agreements to help States strengthen their nuclear security to combat the risk of nuclear terrorism. The plan focuses on three key areas:
- Prevention to protect nuclear and other radioactive material and facilities and transports from malicious acts.
- Detection of and response to malicious acts involving nuclear and other radioactive material.
- Information coordination and analysis to underpin the Plan and support its implementation. This includes evaluation, cooperation with bilateral and multilateral support programmes, and information collection.
What we do
The IAEA provides advisory services to States to establish the necessary 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 in nuclear and other radioactive materials.
The Agency supports States in their efforts to detect and respond to such activities should they occur, and helps to identify threats and vulnerabilities related to security of nuclear material and other radioactive material.
The Agency has developed concepts and procedures for dealing effectively with nuclear and radiological threats. These are disseminated through international conferences, training courses, seminars and workshops and security guidance publications.
The IAEA also assists States in the development of an infrastructure for the implementation of nuclear security at major public events, such as sports, political or religious gatherings.
Office of Nuclear Security
Within this framework, the IAEA Office of Nuclear Security (NSNS) is responsible for co-ordinating the IAEA's nuclear security plan. It plays a leading role in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the IAEA’s nuclear security activities.
The Office is also responsible for the allocation of resources provided by a specific extrabudgetary fund, called Nuclear Security Fund (NSF), which was established by the IAEA Director General to support the Agency’s nuclear security programme.
For further information please contact NuclearSecurity@iaea.org
