nuclear security

IAEAInternational Atomic Energy Agency

Nuclear Security

Anita NilssonDirector, Office of Nuclear Security

IAEA Seminar on Nuclear Science and Technology

IAEA Anita NilssonOffice of Nuclear Security

Seminar on Nuclear Science and TechnologyFebruary 2007

Main Threats of Nuclear Terrorism

• A nuclear explosive device• Theft of device• Theft of material to make a device

• Radiological Dispersal Device• Theft of radioactive material

• Sabotage for dispersal• A nuclear facility/location• Transport



The Dual Use Aspect

Dilemma:• Peaceful uses of nuclear technologies are essential for

development, and of vital importance in our daily lives• Nuclear materials for nuclear weapons require, produced with

similar or the same physics and chemical processes

I.E.: The same processes for peaceful and military applications

Thus, the use of nuclear technologies must be based on a universal acceptance and implementation of States obligations for peaceful, safe and secure uses.



Growing energy demand – nuclear expectations

Will result in: increased production of source material, more nuclear power plants, fuel cycle facilities and waste disposal facilities. The volume of transports will increase.

Many Countries have declared their interest for nuclear energy. This will result in a significant growth in nuclear energy

Measures for nuclear security must be systematically implemented, alongside with nuclear safety



Global Security EvolutionCold War - Post Cold War - Post 9/11

• Malicious• Unpredictable• Incalculable

Main Players

Threats

Motives

• Nation-states• Bi-polar• Superpowers

• High density, high intensity• Lower Probability• Physical overkill

• Geopolitical• Predictable• Calculable

• Non-States• Small states• Global network

• Low density, low intensity• Higher probability• Socio - psychological terror



Illicit nuclear trafficking

• Established in 1995• Network of points of contact

connecting 94 states and several international organizations

• Information collected from official sources supplemented by open sources

• Provision of “raw” data, statistics and analytical products

• Expanding work to improve scope and quality of data collection

• Building a network to improve knowledge sharing among national and international relevant authorities

ITDB programme Membership



Aggregate confirmed information, 1993-2006• 1079 confirmed incidents, as of 31 December 2006

• 252 incidents confirmed during 2006; 149 occurred in 2006, 103 before 2006.

Confirmed incidents, 1993-2005

Nuclear materials (27%)

Other radioactive materials (62%)

Both nuclear and other radioactive

materials (3%)

Radioactively contaminated materials (7%)

Other (1%)

Confirmed incidents involving nuclear materials, by type of nuclear material, 1993-2005

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

HEU PNM PRS LEU NSM Unknown



Legal instruments to combat nuclear terrorism

• Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials (Amended in 2005) • >110 States (and Euratom) Parties.

• Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism >100 States signatories

• Safeguards Agreements and Additional Protocols Several States have yet to sign and ratify the Additional Protocol.

• UN Security Council Resolutions 1540 and 1374• Obligations are binding for all States.

• Nuclear Safety Conventions• Non-binding Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of

Radioactive Sources



Global Nuclear Security Regime

Safeguard

Safety Security

Safeguard

Safety Security

• Nuclear Safeguard – Non-proliferation

• Nuclear Security – Counter Terrorism

• Nuclear Safety – Technical Accident Prevention

Holistic Approach



Basic approaches for international efforts to strengthen nuclear (and radiological) security

• Responsibility for nuclear and radiological security rests with each individual State.

• “Nuclear, and radiological, terrorism is one of the greatest threats to society.”

• The building of infrastructure to combat nuclear terrorism is in the beginning; efforts must be accelerated to catch up with the need to strengthen prevention against such acts.

• The IAEA has an important role in the global efforts to improve the global nuclear security framework and for promoting its implementation.

• “New” recognition of the need of broad approaches and of synergies between security, safety and safeguards.

• Establish international cooperation while maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.



Comprehensive Nuclear Security Approach

Needs assessment, analysis and information

Prevention(first line of defence)

Accountancy, SSAC, registry of sourcesSecurity Infrastructure

Physical protection

Detection & Response(second line of defence)

Nuclear Security Support(Knowledge Base, Legal Framework)

Detection and Monitoring, interdiction and seizureThreat assessment and response

Radiological Event

Law Enforcement, intelligenceMitigation and Recovery

Radiological emergency response

Maintaining confidentiality of information

Information data-banks, Illicit Trafficking Database, analysis of information, programme feed-backIntegrated Nuclear Security Support Plans, Interaction with general public.



IAEA Nuclear Security ProgrammeFields of Activities

• Facilitating the establishment of international legal instruments• Developing the nuclear security framework;

• Guidance and recommendations The Nuclear Security Series documents

• Evaluation & advisory services to States• Capacity building in States

• Human resource development; training at all levels, graduate education.• Technical assistance and advice• Detection and security equipment and upgrades

• Risk reduction in States:• Facilitating the recovery and securing of materials; e.g. research reactor

fuel, orphan sources, vulnerable sources• Facilitating reactor conversions or decommissioning

• Research and Development• Information services



Concluding remarks

• The strengthened platform of international legal instruments is a very significant step forward and a major challenge for States and the IAEA.

• The ratification and implementation of the international instruments must be accelerated. (All) States must drive this process with dedication.

• Increased coordination and cooperation is required, including for education, training, detection equipment, scientific support and information analysis and feedback.

• IAEA to maintain a leading role in the global efforts to improve global nuclear (and radiological) security and provide assistance to countries with limited resources.

• International cooperation and coordination is essential and must be strengthened.

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