Accession of Belarus to the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material

On September 25, 2023 at the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) the head of the Belarusian delegation at the 67th session of the General Conference of the Agency, Permanent Representative of Belarus to International Organisations in Vienna, Andrei Dapkiunas, officially handed over to the IAEA Director General, Rafael Grossi, the instrument of ratification of Belarus' accession to the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.

Belarus has become the 133rd party to this international treaty.

Background information: The Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM) and its Amendment are the only legally binding international instruments in the field of the physical protection of nuclear material. The Amendment is an important milestone in international efforts to enhance the physical protection of nuclear materials and facilities. While physical protection obligations under the CPPNM cover nuclear material in international transport, the Amendment to the CPPNM makes it legally binding on states parties to protect nuclear facilities and material in domestic peaceful uses, storage and transport. It also provides opportunities for increased cooperation between states in taking prompt action to locate and recover stolen or smuggled nuclear material, to mitigate any radiological consequences, and to protect nuclear facilities and material in peaceful uses within the countries.

Rafael Grossi welcomed this step by Belarus, especially noting the openness of Belarus, the country’s wide use of IAEA expert support tools, the invitation of its review and advisory missions and its readiness to make their results public.

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