Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –
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Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the adoption of historic documents in the field of nuclear security
The anniversary of the adoption of two historic international legal instruments – the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism – became the central theme of a side event dedicated to this occasion.
October 22, 2025
Jonathan Herbach, Legal Affairs Bureau
Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi with speakers at a side event. Photo: D. Calma/IAEA
Participants at the IAEA General Conference simultaneously celebrated 20 years of global cooperation in strengthening nuclear security. The anniversary of the adoption of two landmark international legal instruments—the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism—was the central theme of a side event dedicated to this milestone.
At the event, co-organized by the IAEA, the Kingdom of Morocco, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), participants assessed the progress made in this area over the past two decades and reaffirmed the international community's commitment to preventing nuclear terrorism and other criminal acts involving nuclear and other radioactive materials.
Speakers at the event included the Director of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), Mauro Médico; the Permanent Representative of the Argentine Republic to the IAEA, H.E. Mr. Gustavo Rodolfo Slovinen; the Permanent Representative of Canada to the IAEA, H.E. Ms. Alison Grant; the Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the IAEA, H.E. Mr. Tsengeg Mizhiddorj; the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Paraguay to the IAEA, H.E. Mr. Juan Francisco Fascetti; the Permanent Representative of the Swiss Confederation to the IAEA, H.E. Mr. Matteo Facinotti; and the Permanent Representative of the Delegation of the European Union to the IAEA, H.E. Mr. Karl Hallergaard.
Ambassador Azzeddine Farhan opens the side event by reiterating the global commitment to preventing nuclear terrorism and strengthening international cooperation.
Opening the side event, Ambassador Azeddine Farhan, Permanent Representative of Morocco to the IAEA, stated: "The adoption of these fundamental legal instruments in 2005 was a decisive step in our joint efforts to prevent nuclear terrorism and strengthen international cooperation. Today, twenty years later, we reaffirm our commitment to these goals, take stock of the work accomplished, and reflect on the challenges ahead."
The amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM), adopted under the auspices of the IAEA, significantly strengthens the original Convention in a number of important respects. It expands the scope of the original treaty to cover the physical protection of peaceful nuclear facilities and nuclear material during domestic use, storage, and transport; it also establishes criminal liability for offenses related to illicit trafficking in and sabotage of nuclear material or nuclear facilities, and provides for strengthened international cooperation.
Adopted under the auspices of the United Nations, the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSNT) applies to all types of radioactive material, including nuclear material, and obliges States Parties to establish criminal liability for the unlawful or intentional possession and use of radioactive material or radioactive devices, as well as the unlawful use of or damage to nuclear facilities.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stressed the importance of having a strong legal framework to protect nuclear material and enhance global security.
In his opening remarks, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi stated: "Twenty years ago, the international community demonstrated unity in recognizing the urgent need to strengthen the legal framework to protect nuclear material and facilities and prevent the use of such material by non-State actors for harm. With the expanding peaceful use of nuclear energy and the continuing threat from malicious actors, universal adherence to these instruments will provide an important legal lever for strengthening security at the national, regional, and global levels."
UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly stressed the continued importance of a global legal framework to prevent the misuse of nuclear material and called for universal adherence to key international legal instruments.
UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly noted: “The adoption of these instruments two decades ago marked a true turning point. Today, with many regions of the world engulfed in conflict and instability, the risk of such materials falling into the wrong hands or being misused is greater than ever. This is why our global legal framework remains fundamentally important, which explains the significance of these instruments. We must maintain the positive momentum achieved by this anniversary and continue to work towards universal adherence to the ICSANT and the CPPNM amendment.”
Other speakers also emphasized the continued relevance of these international legal instruments in the face of evolving threats and noted the importance of international cooperation in strengthening nuclear security.
The CPPNM Amendment entered into force in 2016; to date, 138 of the 165 Parties to the original Convention have acceded to it. The ICSANT entered into force in 2007 and currently has 127 Parties.
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