In a comprehensive review of nuclear safeguards across the globe in 2024, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has made significant progress in ensuring nuclear materials are being used for peaceful purposes. The agency’s annual report has shed light on the status of nuclear safeguards applied to a total of 190 countries. This report provides crucial insights into the state of nuclear compliance and the global efforts to prevent the misuse of nuclear technology.
### Understanding IAEA Safeguards
Before delving into the specifics of the report, it’s important to understand the role of the IAEA and what its safeguards entail. The IAEA is an international organization that promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy while preventing its use for military purposes, including nuclear weapons. To achieve this, the IAEA implements a system of safeguards designed to monitor and verify the use of nuclear material. These safeguards are a set of technical measures that verify the commitments made by countries under various international treaties and agreements.
### Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements (CSAs) and Additional Protocols (APs)
Among the 190 countries where the IAEA applied safeguards, 182 had Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements (CSAs) in force. CSAs are agreements between a state and the IAEA that allow the IAEA to monitor nuclear materials and activities within that state. They are a vital component of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime.
In addition to CSAs, 137 of these countries also had Additional Protocols (APs) in place. The AP is a legal document granting the IAEA expanded rights of access to information and sites. It is designed to enable the IAEA to provide assurances about the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in a state. This level of transparency is essential in building global trust in the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
### The Broader Conclusion
For 75 of the countries with both a CSA and an AP, the IAEA reached what is known as the “broader conclusion.” This conclusion means that all nuclear material in these states remained dedicated to peaceful activities, with no evidence of diversion for military use. Notably, Morocco received this conclusion for the first time, marking a significant milestone in its nuclear transparency and cooperation with international standards.
### Ongoing Evaluations
In 61 countries, while the IAEA could confirm that declared nuclear material remained in peaceful activities, evaluations regarding the absence of undeclared nuclear activities are still underway. This indicates that while these countries are largely compliant, the IAEA continues to assess and verify their nuclear activities to ensure full transparency and commitment to peaceful use.
### Countries Without Additional Protocols
For 31 countries that have CSAs but no Additional Protocols in place, the IAEA could only confirm that declared nuclear material remained in peaceful activities. The absence of APs limits the IAEA’s ability to provide comprehensive assurances about the absence of undeclared nuclear activities. This highlights the importance of APs in enhancing the IAEA’s ability to monitor nuclear activities effectively.
### Non-NPT States
As of the end of 2024, there were still three non-nuclear-weapon states that were party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) but had not yet implemented CSAs. The NPT is a landmark international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and promoting peaceful use of nuclear energy. For these three countries, the IAEA could not draw any safeguards conclusions, emphasizing the need for full adherence to NPT obligations to achieve global non-proliferation goals.
### Item-Specific Safeguards
In countries such as India, Israel, and Pakistan, where the IAEA applies item-specific safeguards, the agency concluded that all nuclear materials, facilities, or items subject to safeguards remained dedicated to peaceful activities. Item-specific safeguards are applied to specific nuclear materials and activities, rather than being comprehensive, as CSAs are. These countries have not accepted full-scope safeguards but have certain facilities under IAEA monitoring.
### Nuclear-Weapon States and Voluntary Offer Agreements
The IAEA also implements safeguards in the five recognized nuclear-weapon states under the NPT: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. These states participate in the voluntary offer agreements, allowing the IAEA to apply safeguards to certain facilities. For these countries, the IAEA concluded that nuclear materials in selected facilities remained in peaceful activities or had been withdrawn from safeguards as per the agreements. This highlights the commitment of nuclear-weapon states to transparency and cooperation with international norms.
### Importance of Global Nuclear Compliance
The IAEA’s report underscores the critical importance of global compliance with nuclear safeguards. These measures are essential for maintaining international peace and security. By ensuring that nuclear materials are not diverted to military uses, the IAEA plays a crucial role in preventing nuclear proliferation and promoting the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
### Enhancing Transparency and Cooperation
The findings also highlight the importance of transparency and international cooperation in the nuclear sector. Countries that have fully implemented CSAs and APs demonstrate a high level of commitment to transparency and accountability. This builds trust among nations and contributes to global efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation.
### Challenges and the Path Forward
While significant progress has been made, challenges remain. The IAEA continues to work with countries to address outstanding issues and improve the effectiveness of safeguards. The ongoing evaluations in some states and the lack of comprehensive agreements in others highlight areas where further efforts are needed.
In conclusion, the IAEA’s 2024 report on nuclear safeguards provides a comprehensive overview of the global landscape of nuclear compliance. It highlights the successes and challenges of international efforts to ensure that nuclear technology is used solely for peaceful purposes. By promoting transparency, cooperation, and compliance with international norms, the IAEA continues to play a vital role in safeguarding our world against the threat of nuclear proliferation.
For more Information, Refer to this article.
