|
• Despite the robust international legal framework for safe and secure transport, there are still some difficulties with transporting radioactive material in an efficient and sustainable way — an issue also known as delay in and denial of shipment of radioactive material, — that can have further consequences for the safety and security of such transport.
• The IAEA has an element in its mission statement to assist its Member States in using nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes, and to facilitate the transfer of such technology and knowledge in a sustainable manner to developing Member States.
• To achieve this requires transport of radioactive material in a safe, secure and sustainable manner.
• Without transport of radioactive material, there would be no supply of material and no nuclear applications.
• Thus, facilitation of safe and secure transport of radioactive material is vital to provide sustainable use of nuclear technology. The IAEA transport safety standards and security guidance themselves refer to facilitation to improve cooperation and assistance.
• All involved parties in the transport of radioactive material — UN Specialised Organisations, Member States and industry — play a critically important coordinating role.
• These efforts across organisations demonstrate how vital it is to not only address the challenge faced in delays in and denials of shipment of radioactive material but to arrive at consensus on the way forward.
.
|
