Global momentum has waned in efforts to prevent terrorists from obtaining nuclear and radiological materials, according to a new report released by the Stimson Center (a non-partisan organisation described as working to solve the world’s greatest threats to security and prosperity). The report, Re-energizing Nuclear Security: Trends and Potential Collaborations Post Security Summits, finds that momentum to combat nuclear security threats has slowed after a series of high-level global summits concluded in 2016. Industry, governments, and civil society can re-capture momentum through a series of pragmatic actions, the report concludes.
The author of the report says, “power plants can be vulnerable to evolving cyber threats. ISIL and Boko Haram are operating near nuclear facilities. The spread of weapons-grade material from North Korea is a very real concern. Industry, governments, and civil society can do more to address these challenges given this security landscape”.
The report proposes several recommendations for stakeholders to adopt to better confront nuclear security challenges. Amongst the recommendations is the suggestion that streamlined reporting of compliance with the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials fundamental principles could be introduced as part of UN Security Council Resolution 1540 reporting. UN SCR 1540, of course, requires all member states to refrain from providing any form of support to non-State actors that attempt to develop, acquire, manufacture, possess, transport, transfer or use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons and their means of delivery, in particular for terrorist purposes.
https://www.stimson.org/content/amid-evolving-risks-momentum-prevent-nuclear-terrorism-has-waned
Report at – https://www.stimson.org/sites/default/files/file-attachments/Nuclear-Energy-R7-WEB.pdf
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