Fact Sheet: Update on Joint Statement on Strengthening Nuclear Security Implementation (INFCIRC 869)

THE WHITE HOUSE 

Office of the Press Secretary

________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release                        

FACT SHEET

Update on INFCIRC 869

On October 9, 2014, the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, on behalf of its Government and 34 other countries (full list below), conveyed to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Secretariat the “Joint Statement on Strengthening Nuclear Security Implementation” from the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit and requested that it be circulated to all IAEA Member States.  The subscribing states pledged to take specific steps, including implementing key IAEA nuclear security guidance, accepting voluntary peer reviews, and committing that those responsible for nuclear security are demonstrably competent.  The Dutch note verbale  encouraged all States to meet the intent of these essential elements of a nuclear security regime and to commit to the effective and sustainable implementation of the principles therein.  The IAEA has circulated the 2014 Joint Statement as INFCIRC/869, to which all IAEA Member States could ascribe.

On November 13, 2015, Jordan pledged its commitment to the Joint Statement on Strengthening Nuclear Security Implementation, as contained in INFCIRC/869.  Jordan is the 36th IAEA member state to subscribe to the statement, and the first to do so outside the Summit process.

The United States continues to encourage all IAEA member states to indicate their commitment to implement the provisions of INFCIRC/869, noting that such public commitments provide public assurances that nuclear materials are effectively secured and underscore support for the IAEA and its nuclear security efforts.

Full List of Subscribers

Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Vietnam.

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Joint Statement on Forensics in Nuclear Security

JOINT STATEMENT in the context of the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit

Forensics in Nuclear Security                                                                     

Applying science to investigate the illicit use of nuclear or other radioactive material is a crucial element of nuclear security.  Nuclear forensic science assists in determining the provenance of materials encountered out of regulatory control by focusing on the questions that would be asked by regulatory authorities or law enforcement investigators.

This gift basket records the intent of 30 countries[1] to advance nuclear forensics as a key element of effective nuclear security. This may be accomplished by incorporating nuclear forensics as an important element of a nation’s coordinated response, cultivating and sustaining expertise in the fundamental scientific disciplines; and advocating for and supporting international efforts where the implementation of both traditional and nuclear forensic capabilities may be enhanced through sharing.

The Forensics in Nuclear Security Gift Basket presented at the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit raised awareness about good practices employed by practitioners, developed education and training curricula, and advanced international collaboration through a common lexicon and knowledge platform.  Continued effort is needed to strengthen and sustain national nuclear forensic capabilities through their inclusion in national response plans and communicating what nuclear forensics can provide to stakeholders.

Recognizing that practical implementation and sustainment of nuclear forensic capabilities are an enduring component of nuclear security, States that subscribe to this Joint Statement commit to one or more of the following elements: 

• Develop and sustain expertise through actions such as cross-disciplinary training of traditional forensic and nuclear scientists, transferring knowledge to the next generation of practitioners, cultivating attractive career paths, and facilitating participation in international training including, but not limited to, those offered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Nuclear Forensics International Technical Working Group (ITWG), the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), or the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT). 
• Promote employment of existing national nuclear science capabilities to support nuclear forensics.
• Evaluate and adapt existing national response frameworks to incorporate the effective use of nuclear forensic capabilities.
• Advance and mature nuclear forensic expertise in other countries through efforts such as providing instruction at or hosting international courses or conferences, publishing techniques in peer-reviewed scholarly journals, or serving as leaders in relevant international groups.

[1] The following countries are signatories to this Joint Statement: Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, France, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, ROK, Thailand, UK and USA. The following organization also supports this Joint Statement: INTERPOL]

Joint Statement on Nuclear Terrorism Preparedness and Response

Joint Statement on Supporting Nuclear and Radiological Terrorism

Preparedness and Response Capabilities 

Subscribed by Australia, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States, with the support of the United Nations and INTERPOL.

A nuclear terror event anywhere in the world would have devastating human, environmental, economic, and political consequences. Building on the Summit’s nuclear terrorism prevention and nuclear and radiological material security accomplishments and efforts, wethe Parties to this statement recognize the need for ensuring adequate nuclear emergency preparedness and response capabilities.  Such capabilities contribute tofurther reducing not onlythe risks posed by nuclear or radiological terrorism (hereafter, “nuclear terrorism”), but also the risks posed by other malicious activities or accidents involving nuclear or radiological materials and facilities.Ensuring preparedness in National capabilities to counter and respond to nuclear terror acts is a critical task for all Nations, as exemplified by the Scenario-Based Policy Discussions successfully completed by participating nations as part ofthe 2016 Summit.  Nuclear terrorism preparedness requires a range of activities to establish,enhance, sustain, and exercise the capabilities necessary to counter and respond to nuclear terror incidents. Nuclear terrorism response requires a range of technical, operational, and communications capabilities toprovide coordination and resolution of the incident, as well as mitigatingits consequences.

Consistent with the Nuclear Security Summit goal of reducing the threat posed by nuclear terrorism and furthering the 2014 Hague Summit Communique pledge to “maintain effective emergency preparedness, response, and mitigation capabilities,”we the parties to this statementrecognize that ensuring adequate nuclear terrorismpreparedness and response capabilities complements international nuclear security efforts.  We also recognize that adequate nuclear terrorism preparedness and response capabilities contribute to strengthening the interface between nuclear safety and security, and serve as a potential deterrent to attack.

Nuclear terrorism preparedness and response capabilities include the following capabilities:

• National policies and plans:Establish and maintainadequate National response plans and policies regarding preparedness, response, and mitigation of incidents and threats of nuclear terrorism, including guidance forlocalplanning in responding to such threats and incidents.
• Technical expertise and capabilities:Identify, confirm, assess, and respond to nuclear terror incidentsand threats, including radiological characterization and assessments to inform protective actions, emergency medical training and response support, and decontamination tools and training.
• Public communications and education: Develop and maintainstrategic communications and effective public messaging providing not only public safety awareness and emergency readiness in the event of a nuclear terror incident but also mechanisms and procedures for ensuring prompt dissemination of public safety information to potentially affected communities.
• Sustainment of capabilities:  Sustain necessary capabilities through continuing education, training, and exercises involving National and local officials and multinational partners charged with nuclear terrorism preparedness, response, or associated decision-making.
• International coordination and assistance mechanisms: Per the International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, Convention on Assistance in the Case of Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency, and other relevant international legal instruments, and considering multilateral mechanisms and initiatives such as offered by the United Nations (UN), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), INTERPOL, the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT), and the Global Partnership (GP) against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction,establish mechanisms for requesting and/or providing (as appropriate):
  • Nuclear terrorism preparedness and response capacity building, 
  • As required, post-event mutualassistance offered by the State Partiesof the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency,
  • Government-to-Government coordination and communication in the event of nuclear terrorism.

Recognizing that an act of nuclear terrorism anywhere in the world would have global impacts affecting all Nations, wethe parties to this statement affirm ourwillingnessto cooperate to strengthen National and international nuclear terrorism preparedness and response capabilities.  We agree on the following commitments in support of this objective:

• Ensure adequate National nuclear terrorism preparedness and response capabilities at home.  We the parties to this statement reaffirm our National commitment to establish and maintain the National-level capabilities required for nuclear terrorism preparedness and response.We also commit to conductcomprehensivenuclear terrorism preparedness and response drills, incorporating roles and responsibilities at the National and local levels to foster strong interagency cooperation across law enforcement, medical, technical/scientific, and policy agencies.  We commit to strengthen our National interagency coordination, cooperation, and information-sharing mechanisms needed in this regard, to support whole-of-government crisis response.
• Support sharing relevant resources, expertise, and good practices, in order to strengthen global nuclear terrorism preparedness and response capabilities, including relevant post-event mutual assistance.  Consistent with our respectiveinternational legal obligations,we the parties to this statementagree in principle to support--at the bilateral level, upon request--relevant expertise, training, or other related resources supporting nuclear terrorism preparedness and response capabilitieswith interested states, as well as offer relevant post-event mutual assistanceincluding through the IAEA Response and Assistance Network (RANET). We recognize that requests for bilateral assistance must be evaluated by the States involved on a case by case basis and would be subject to availability of resources, legal considerations, and other concerns.  However, we the parties to this statement recognize the importance of supporting nuclear terrorismpreparedness and response capacities and thus encourage bilateral and multilateral dialogue and coordination on how best to assure adequate global preparedness and response capabilities.As such, we also commit to making available relevant expertise or experience via international and multilateral effortsas the UN, IAEA, INTERPOL, GICNT, and the GP.  National Points of Contact will be provided, in addition to IAEA, INTERPOL, GICNT, and GP points of contact,to support the coordination and evaluation of requests and offers of assistance.
• Support for international best practice guidance on preparedness and resilience objectives and the specific capabilities needed to meet them, as published by the organizations listed above,including the IAEA Nuclear Security Series 15 - Nuclear Security Recommendations on Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material out of Regulatory Control, the IAEA Safety Series GSR Part 7 on Preparedness and Response for a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency and the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism’s Fundamentals for Establishing and Maintaining a Nuclear Security Response Framework ,which build on the aforementioned core competencies We the parties to this statement recognize these documents as an excellent foundation for States wishing to establish or sustain baseline nuclear terrorism preparedness and response capabilities, and actively support the broadest possible international application and use of these documents.
• Share lessons learned from real world incidents (i.e., nuclear and radiological incidents, materials out of regulatory control, significant all hazards-related emergency response efforts, etc.) that have implications for or applications to nuclear terrorism preparedness, response, and mitigation, in order to incorporate this experience into Preparedness and Response capabilities nationally and internationally.
• Encourage and support National and State/local-level full field and table-top exercises aimed at ensuring nuclear terrorism preparedness and response capabilities.  As appropriate, participating countries to the exercises will encourage reciprocal, bilateral observation of National and transborder exercises, with a view towards sharing good practices in sustaining preparedness and response capabilities, while ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information.We the parties to this statementcommit, as far as resources permit, to host, observe, or support the development and implementation of radiological emergency management exercises (REMEX) under the GICNT’s Response and Mitigation Working Group.  REMEXs emphasize the importance of international cooperation in preparedness and resilience by providing the opportunity for two or more governments to collaboratively exercise response capabilities for nuclear terrorism with bilateral or multilateral scenarios.  REMEXs also provide a venue for sharing the good practices and lessons learned from other national and State/local-level exercises encouraged under this gift basket.  

Joint Statement on Nuclear Training and Support Centres

Joint statement on

Nuclear Security Training and Support Centres / Centres of Excellence 

Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States, Vietnam, INTERPOL and the United Nations

Italy hosted the 2014 Gift Basket on Nuclear Security Training and Support Centres/Centres of Excellence (NSSC/CoE) following the 2012 Gift Basket hosted by the United States.  The 2014 Gift Basket attracted a large number of co-sponsoring Summit participants promoting the importance of nuclear security training and support centres, and the value of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Nuclear Security Training and Support Centres Network (NSSC Network) in strengthening international and regional cooperation and collaboration.  Now that the IAEA NSSC Network is maturing and a number of nuclear security training and support centers are being established, these centres can play an increasingly important and active role in promoting nuclear security.  These centres help meet domestic nuclear security needs, and can also provide an important platform for sharing resources and meeting needs on a regional basis, thus strengthening and sustaining the global nuclear security architecture.

In support of the IAEA NSSC Network and nuclear security training and support centre sustainability, the participants to the 2016 Nuclear Security Training and Support Centres / Centres of Excellence Gift Basket intend, within available resources, to support the following activities.

Strengthening of the IAEA NSSC Network

•    Nuclear security training and support centres not yet a member of the IAEA NSSC Network commit to join the Network and make every effort to take part in the IAEA NSSC Network activities, including meetings.

Establishment of regional networks

•    Building upon the establishment of the Asia Regional Network through the IAEA NSSC Network, establish additional networks with nuclear security training and support centres in the same region and mechanisms of regional coordination to promote best practices, exchange training experiences, share curricula and other activities on a regional basis. 

•    In collaboration with the IAEA NSSC network, share experiences in training with centres outside their region.

Strengthening nuclear security training and technical support programmes

•    Improve the quality of training by conducting peer review exchanges with other nuclear security training and support centres and by making use of the IAEA NSSC Network as a mechanism to promote peer-review exchanges.

•    Use IAEA material/guidance as a mechanism to achieve consistency in the technical content of the training programmes on nuclear security and participate in IAEA Train-the-Trainer activities to build a network of instructors qualified to deliver IAEA training course materials. 

•    Organize and be active participants in the development and running of nuclear and radiological security scenarios and exercises.

•    Share experiences and nuclear security training with other training centres and centres of excellence, as appropriate, as well as lessons learned through the IAEA NSSC network and IAEA Nuclear Security Information Portal (NUSEC).

•    Use IAEA material/guidance to support training programmes in key technical topics such as nuclear security culture, nuclear material accounting and control, computer security, transportation security, and insider threat mitigation. 

•    As appropriate, consider certification of nuclear security training and support centre training programmes, as per ISO 29990 and/or utilize applicable ISO best practices to support continuous improvement.
  
•    Collaborate with the Global Partnership’s Centre of Excellence Sub-working Group to implement this Gift Basket as noted in the Global Partnership Nuclear Security Summit Action Plan.

Sustainability

•    Focus attention on and build mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of nuclear security training and support centres, including developing business plans and e-learning tools, conducting needs analysis and regular evaluation of effectiveness, and identifying required financial, administrative and human resources.

•    Provide training, technical and scientific support to competent authorities to strengthen long-term sustainability of domestic nuclear and radiological security regimes. 

•    Broaden and strengthen international cooperation with the United Nations, especially United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540-related efforts, with INTERPOL, the Global Partnership, the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism and others.

Cooperation

•    Collaborate with educational institutions that teach nuclear security subjects to include nuclear security culture. Continue, improve, and expand the NSSC Network’s collaboration with the International Nuclear Security Education Network (INSEN).

•    Cooperate in the area of research and development with national and international institutes to promote scientific advancements in nuclear security and continuous engagement of the scientific communities.

•    Engage industry and civil society through constant dialogue on the importance of nuclear security.

•    Promote public confidence in nuclear and radiological security.

Joint Statement on Promoting Full and Universal Implementation of UNSCR 1540 (2004)

Joint Statement on

Promoting Full and Universal Implementation of

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004)

2016 Nuclear Security Summit in Washington D.C.

Recognizing that United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540 (2004) and the United Nations Security Council Committee established pursuant to UNSCR 1540 (hereinafter “1540 Committee”) are key parts of the international legal architecture for States to prevent and combat nuclear terrorism.

Noting that the full implementation of UNSCR 1540 is a long-term endeavour that requires both political and technical action at national, sub-regional, regional and international levels.

Recalling the 2010 Washington Nuclear Security Summit Communiqué and Work Plan, the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit Communiqué, the 2014 Hague Nuclear Security Summit Communiqué, and the follow-up Resolutions of UNSCR 1540, particularly UNSCR 1977 (2011), which underscored the important role of UNSCR 1540 in strengthening global nuclear security and reducing the threat of nuclear terrorism.

Noting that the 1540 Committee will be completing  its second Comprehensive Review in 2016 on the status of the implementation of UNSCR 1540, as set forth by UNSCR 1977 (2011). This Review provides an opportunity for the 1540 Committee to take stock of national and international progress in implementing UNSCR 1540 since the previous Comprehensive Review in 2009, and to put forward key findings and recommendations that will contribute to more effective implementation of UNSCR 1540.

Welcoming the contributions of States for updating and submitting reports on national implementation of UNSCR 1540 with the view of the 2016 Comprehensive Review on the implementation of UNSCR 1540.

Reaffirming our commitment to the Joint Statement on Promoting Full and Universal Implementation of UNSCR 1540 delivered at the 2014 Hague Nuclear Security Summit.

Noting that since the 2014 Hague Nuclear Security Summit, co-signatories have advanced national efforts to further the implementation of UNSCR 1540 by providing support for the 1540 Committee’s main areas of work, including, inter alia: monitoring implementation of the Resolution; providing capacity building assistance at the technical level to requesting States in implementing their UNSCR 1540 obligations; preparing and submitting UNSCR 1540 National Implementation Action Plans; organizing or supporting regional and sub-regional training seminars, exercises and initiatives; convening workshops to help facilitate the implementation of UNSCR 1540 into national legislation; conducting outreach to stakeholders in industry, civil society and academia; and strengthening cooperation with regional organizations such as the African Union, ASEAN, the Caribbean Community, and the European Union.

*  *  *

We, the Governments of Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, Poland, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, with the support of the United Nations, the European Union and INTERPOL, reaffirm our commitment to the full and universal implementation of UNSCR 1540, including the implementation of obligations to enhance the security of nuclear materials worldwide in line with the objectives of the 2016 Washington Nuclear Security Summit Communiqué and institutional Action Plans. We reiterate our support for the activities of the 1540 Committee and the Group of Experts. We also reaffirm our commitment to fully implement UNSCR 1540 in our respective States, in areas where we have not already done so, and further undertake to:

1.       Work with and provide information to the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts for the 2016 Comprehensive Review on the status of the implementation of UNSCR 1540;

2.       Consider providing additional support and assistance in fulfilling the Action Plan in support of the United Nations, particularly actions aimed at facilitating national and regional implementation of UNSCR 1540 and its nuclear security obligations, with a view to helping requesting States to fully implement UNSCR 1540 by 2021, as referenced in the UNSC Presidential Statement of 7 May 2014;

3.       Encourage states to submit reports on national implementation of UNSCR 1540 on a regular basis, and focussing outreach on states yet to submit a first report to the 1540 Committee;

4.       Advocate for international, regional, and sub-regional organizations that have not yet done so to designate a Point of Contact (PoC) or coordinator on the implementation of UNSCR 1540 in order to facilitate regional approaches to assisting States in implementing their UNSCR 1540 obligations and enhance coordination for their UNSCR 1540 implementation efforts;

5.       Consider providing funding, where feasible, to organizations requesting for supporting their PoCs or coordinators for the implementation UNSCR 1540;

6.       Enhance coordination through outreach events with a wide range of domestic stakeholders such as industry, parliamentarians, civil society and academia, and develop appropriate ways to inform these stakeholders of their obligations pursuant to domestic laws relating to the implementation of UNSCR 1540;

7.       Consider organizing joint exercises at the national, regional or international levels that demonstrate ways of reinforcing national and regional capacities and international cooperation for better implementation of UNSCR 1540, and encourage the participation of relevant international organizations and initiatives;

8.       Advocate for the 1540 Committee to continue to strengthen cooperation with other relevant international organizations and initiatives, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, other United Nations entities, the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT), and the Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Material of Mass Destruction (Global Partnership), as well as regional and sub-regional organizations in promoting the implementation of the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit institutional Action Plans;

9.       Advocate for the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts to enhance their cooperation with other relevant entities in the United Nations system, such as the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA)- and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), including through strengthening the legal framework to prohibit illicit activities, export controls, border security, and other measures that support obligations under UNSCR 1540, and the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate through joint country visits to monitor the implementation of UNSCR 1540;

10.    Consider further enhancing the cooperation between the International Atomic Energy Agency and the UNSCR 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts on strengthening nuclear security, through opportunities such as: enhancing complementarity and reducing duplication, including by using Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plans (INSSP) to inform voluntary 1540 National Implementation Action Plans; coordinating with the IAEA’s International Nuclear Security Education Network (INSEN) on outreach to academia relevant to implementing UNSCR 1540 and the IAEA’s Nuclear Security Support Center (NSSC) Network on outreach to nuclear security training centers; exploring establishing a liaison between the 1540 Committee and the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security;

11.    Advocate for the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts to continue collaborative efforts and interactions with INTERPOL regarding assistance requests and training opportunities;

12.    Advocate for the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts to continue to participate in GICNT exercises, workshops and events that focus on building and enhancing nuclear forensics, detection and response capabilities;

13.    Advocate for the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts to assist UN Member States to develop strong UNSCR 1540 assistance requests that are sufficiently detailed to support responses from potential assistance providers, including through the Global Partnership. In this context, consideration should be given to strengthening the 1540 Committee’s “match-making” mechanism and coordination with assistance providers, including at the regional level, through the Comprehensive Review of UNSCR 1540;

14.    Advocate for the 1540 Committee and its Group of Experts to assist UN Member States to address new and emerging WMD threats relevant to the obligations and recommendations of the resolution; and

15.    Advocate for increased contributions, where feasible, to the UN Trust Fund for Global and Regional Disarmament Activities dedicated to supporting UNSCR 1540 implementation and the work of the 1540 Committee.

Joint Statement on Sustaining Action to Strengthen Global Nuclear Security Architecture

JOINT STATEMENT ON SUSTAINING ACTION TO

STRENGTHEN GLOBAL NUCLEAR SECURITY

The Nuclear Security Summit process has led to significant achievements in nuclear security at national, regional, and global levels; but the work of building a strengthened, sustained, and comprehensive global nuclear security architecture – consisting of legal instruments, international organizations and initiatives, internationally accepted guidance, and best practices – requires continuous attention.

We need sustained action and ambition on nuclear security after the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit to address continuing and evolving nuclear security challenges, with the objectives of advancing implementation of nuclear security commitments and building a strengthened, sustainable and comprehensive global nuclear security architecture.

The Governments of Argentina, Armenia, ­­­­­Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Republic of Korea, Romania, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, and the following international organizations: INTERPOL and United Nations, aiming to facilitate cooperation and sustain activity on nuclear security after the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit, commit to:

• Establish a Nuclear Security Contact Group; and
• Designate an appropriately authorized and informed senior official or officials to participate in the Contact Group.

The Contact Group is tasked with:

• Convening annually on the margins of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and, as may be useful, in connection with other related meetings;
• Discussing a broad range of nuclear security-related issues, including identifying emerging trends that may require more focused attention;
• Promoting and assessing implementation of nuclear security commitments, including those made during the Nuclear Security Summit process, reflected in the four Nuclear Security Summit Communiqués, the 2010 Washington Work Plan, the 2016 Action Plans, national commitments and associated joint statements, and gift baskets;
• Developing and maintaining linkages to nongovernmental experts and nuclear industry; and,
• Determining any additional steps that may be appropriate to support these goals.

The Contact Group may also consider and make recommendations to their respective leaders on convening any future Nuclear Security Summits.

We welcome the participation of all countries that subscribe to the goals set out in this Joint Statement and wish to contribute to the work of the Contact Group.

National Statement: Italy

NUCLEAR SECURITY SUMMIT

 (Washington, 1 April 2016) 

ITALY’S NATIONAL STATEMENT

The Nuclear Security Summit has impressively moved forward the global dialogue on nuclear security, by adding a high level political dimension to the technical one and strengthening the nuclear security architecture, both domestically and internationally.

It has broadened the understanding and awareness of the nuclear terrorism threat, induced countries to increase physical nuclear security measures, reduce nuclear material stocks and sites, and intensify international cooperation. The Summit has forced through many decisions that might otherwise have languished for years.

Italy is firmly committed to keep the Summit’s legacy alive, included in its Final Communiqué, and to follow through the Action Plans, and the Gift Baskets that we support.

Whilst terrorists keep on developing new means aimed at threatening our societies and peaceful coexistence, it is imperative for all of us to maintain the momentum triggered by the Summit with a proactive and holistic approach.

We are convinced that, still for many years to come, there will be a need for a continued high-level dialogue on the next steps. This is crucial in order to verify the effectiveness of our efforts and adapt them to the coming challenges.

Although no single forum will be able to fully replace the NSS process, the IAEA represents a major venue and a key actor. Therefore,  we look forward to the  Second International Conference on Nuclear Security, to be held in Vienna next December. Italy, a major contributor to the IAEA regular Budget, the Nuclear Security Fund and the Technical Cooperation Program, actively supports the Agency undertakings related to the strengthening of the international nuclear security framework.

Furthermore, we believe - as suggested by some influential voices - that the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear material can provide the proper mechanisms for a regular  review of our commitment and progress in nuclear security.

We look forward to the entry into force of its 2005 Amendment, that Italy ratified in 2015. More generally, Italy is keenly endorsing and participating in the legal framework related to nuclear security. The ratification of the International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT) is in progress together with a broader set of norms dealing with the fight against nuclear terrorism.

We are also convinced that widespread nuclear security culture is crucial for our future. For this reason, Italy will carry on its engagement to ensure that nuclear security culture remains a priority in the international and national agenda. To this aim and in view of this Summit, Italy has been promoting the new and more focused Nuclear Security Training and Support Centres Gift Basket.

Its objectives are the strengthening of the IAEA Network and the establishment of regional networks, ensuring the sustainability of these centres and promoting a culture of nuclear security as well as scientific advancements in this domain.

Nuclear security culture is indeed as much essential as the physical protection of nuclear material. For this reason, training and capacity building initiatives should be largely encouraged and sustained.

Moreover, Italy is a founding member of the Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, that we look forward to chairing in 2017. Italy also participates in the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT), and is ready to host a meeting of its Nuclear Forensic Working Group next fall.

Finally, Italy has been fully committed to the nuclear materials consolidation and minimization programme. We have made significant efforts together with the United States to eliminate excess Highly Enriched Uranium and Plutonium. Today, the Italian national inventory consists of limited quantities of special nuclear material, currently stored in compliance with the highest international nuclear security standards.

National Progress Report: Italy

Italy is fully committed to strengthening nuclear security by reinforcing national measures and international cooperation along the lines agreed to in the Washington, Seoul and The Hague Communiqués and the Washington Workplan.

CONSOLIDATION OF THE GLOBAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ARCHITECTURE

Italy is a founding member of the G8 Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction and participates in the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT).

In 2015, Italy ratified the 2005 Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials (CPPNM), through Act n. 58/2015. The Act allocates specific responsibilities to competent authorities, and appoints the Ministry of Interior  as the National Authority for the active physical protection of nuclear facilities and materials, both in situ and during transportation. The Act is also inspired by the operational security model adopted before the ratification of the Amendment.

As to the Act of Ratification of the International Convention on the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (ICSANT), this has been recently approved by the first chamber of Parliament. It includes provisions to strengthen the security of radiation sources.   

Italy hosted the 2014 Gift Basket on Nuclear Security Training and Support Centres/Centres of Excellence (NSSC/CoE), which followed a 2012 Gift Basket sponsored by the United States. Both attracted a large number of co-sponsors (32 for the 2014 The Hague Gift Basket) highlighting the importance of these Centres in underpinning a strong and sustainable Global Nuclear Security Architecture. Striving toward implementation and sustainability, at the Washington Summit Italy willpresent a new and more focused 2016 Nuclear Security Training and Support Centres Gift Basket, which also takes on board the main outcomes of the High-Level Event organized in Bologna on “Nuclear Security Summit 2016 and beyond: the role of training and support centres and Centres of Excellence (CoE)”. The participants in this 2016 NSSC/CoE Gift Basket intend to support the following activities: strengthening of the IAEA NSSC Network; the establishment of regional networks to enhance regional coordination, promote best practices and share training experiences;  strengthening nuclear security training and technical support programmes; ensuring the sustainability of nuclear security training and support centres; enhancing cooperation with the IAEA, the United Nations, INTERPOL and GICNT and cooperation in the area of research and development with national and international institutes to promote scientific advancements in nuclear security.

STRENGTHENING THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY

Italy is a major contributor to the IAEA regular Budget and actively supports the Agency through financial contributions to the Nuclear Security Fund and the Technical Cooperation Program. Italy also contributes to the IAEA activities related to the strengthening of the international nuclear security framework.

It actively participates in both the Nuclear Security Guidance Committee and the IAEA Nuclear Security and Support Centres (NSSC) Network. Moreover Italy is an active contributor to the drafting of the Nuclear Security Series.

Italy will attend the upcoming IAEA “International Conference on Nuclear Security: Commitments and Actions” which will take place in December  2016 including the ministerial segment.

NUCLEAR MATERIALS CONSOLIDATION AND MINIMIZATION

The Italian national inventory of special nuclear material currently consists of limited quantities of Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) and Plutonium stored in accordance with the CPPNM as amended. In an awareness of the importance of the timely removal and disposition of nuclear materials from facilities no longer using them, in accordance with the national programme for the decommissioning of existing nuclear plants, Italy has made significant efforts together with the United States to eliminate excess Highly Enriched Uranium and Plutonium. This cooperation resulted in the completion of three shipments in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Italy intends to carry forward its collaboration with the United States in order to remove the excess of HEU and Plutonium still present. In particular, Italy and the United States are jointly cooperating to implement technical activities on HEU material, preparatory to the development of other future repatriation projects.

Through these repatriations, Italy has contributed to the European HEU credits for the supply for research reactor needed for the production of medical radioisotopes and scientific research, in the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding agreed between the United States Department of Energy and the European Supply Agency.

The Italian national inventory has been further reduced with the shipment of Plutonium from the European Research Center located in the north of Italy.

In the framework of the abovementioned decommissioning process, in June and September 2015, the Ministry of the Interior carried out two successful multimodal transportations (road and train) of irradiated nuclear fuel from Northern Italy to France. These operations were facilitated by the well-established coordination between the central and local Authorities, before and during the transportation, in particular  with regard to the assessment of internal and international threats. The transfers were monitored by a dedicated “response task force” which followed the entire cycle of operations.

ENHANCING NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY CAPACITY

Nuclear security measures, including transport security measures, are implemented in accordance with the 2005 Amendment to the CPPNM and INFCIRC 255/Rev.5, together with the relevant EU Directives and  in compliance with the IAEA Code of Conduct on Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources. International transportations of national irradiated fuel and nuclear materials are currently carried out along the lines set out in the national programme for the decommissioning of nuclear installations.

Following the ratification of the 2005 Amendment to CPPNM, the Italian Administrations have envisaged a review of the Physical Protection Plans at different installations.

Italy has further improved the efficiency of the early warning radiation network which now includes more than 1200 stations throughout the national territory, 2 national centres and 16 regional centres. The network operates 24 hours a day and it has been tested during attack simulation exercises and cross-border emergencies. Italy is also working to develop a comprehensive emergency response system. The Firefighters Department has continued to carry out crisis management exercises, including those related to terrorist attacks with radiological materials.

ENHANCING EFFORTS IN COMBATING ILLICIT TRAFFICKING

In 2010 Italy and the U.S. signed a Memorandum of Understanding within the framework of the Megaports Initiative, to prevent the smuggling of nuclear and other radioactive materials through the global maritime system. Under a cost-sharing arrangement, the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration worked with the Italian Customs Agency to help secure cargo containers passing through several Italian ports. Since September 2013 the ports of Genoa and La Spezia have been equipped with mobile detection systems. Taking into consideration the key role played by Italian ports in the Mediterranean region, Italy’s participation in the Initiative is crucial to enhanced security in the area.

STRENGTHENING NUCLEAR SECURITY CULTURE

Since its G8 Presidency in 2009, Italy has paid special attention to education, training and institutional capacity-building as essential elements for an effective safety and security infrastructure. At the 2010 Washington Summit, Italy announced the creation of an International School on Nuclear Security with the IAEA and the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste. In 2016, the School is to hold its sixth annual training course. The School is highly regarded by the participants from both developing and emerging countries and is considered as a model for other Schools of Nuclear Security. Italy also worked closely with the IAEA and the ICTP for the realization of the pilot course of the new “School of Radiation Emergency Management” held in Trieste in September 2015.

Italy’s educational effort is further strengthened by Master’s courses offered by a number of Italian Universities. The Master’s Course on the “Protection against CBRN events”, organized at the University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, has gained an international status since the academic year 2014/2015, thanks to an agreement with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The original Course has been divided into two new Master’s Courses: a first-level course designed to train “CBRNe First Responders” and an advanced one for “Decision Makers CBRNe Advisors”. Both courses received the acknowledgment as “NATO Selected” and are held under agreements with several national governmental, scientific and academic institutions. The latest course started in March 2016.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN ITALIAN NUCLEAR ENERGY POLICY

In 2011 Italy decided to discontinue its nuclear energy programs. Nevertheless, Italy continues to maintain a strong commitment to nuclear safety and security. The Energy Strategy adopted in March 2013 acknowledged the important asset of high level expertise in nuclear technologies, including research reactors and R&D centres. Within the framework of this Strategy, national efforts are mainly devoted to decommissioning and management activities of radioactive waste and limited residual amounts of irradiated fuel and nuclear materials, including the preparatory activities of siting and construction of a national centralized repository for radioactive wastes.

The institutional framework on nuclear safety and radiation protection envisages the establishment of a regulatory authority, the National Inspectorate for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ISIN), responsible for nuclear safety, radiation and physical protection. 

Statement on Enhancing Radiological Security

Statement on Enhancing Radiological Security

Joint Statement by the United States and Italy

Joint Statement by the United States and Italy on the 2014Nuclear Security Summit

Joint Statement on Forensics in Nuclear Security→

JOINT STATEMENT in the context of the Nuclear Security Summit 2014 Forensics in Nuclear Security

Joint Statement on UNSCR 1540

Joint Statement on Promoting Full and Universal Implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540

Strengthening Nuclear Security Implementation

Strengthening Nuclear Security Implementation

2014 Progress Report Italy

2014 Progress Report Italy

Statement on Nuclear Information Security (UK)→

Statement on Nuclear Information Security: Progress update

Fact Sheet: Italy Highly Enriched Uranium and Plutonium Removals

Fact Sheet: Italy Highly Enriched Uranium and Plutonium Removals

Joint Statement on Nuclear Security Training and Support Centres - Centres of Excellence→

Joint statement on Nuclear Security Training and Support Centres / Centres of Excellence for the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit Submitted by Italy

Counter Nuclear Smuggling→

Statement of Activity and Cooperation to Counter Nuclear Smuggling

2012 NSS Deliverable - Global Partnership

2012 Nuclear Security Summit Deliverable: Global Parnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction