Measures against illicit trafficking of nuclear material and radioactive sources in Belarus

Illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials is a multidimensional safety and security issue. Situated in a high-risk trafficking area, Belarus considers the task of combating illicit trafficking essential to ensure state security, public health and environmental protection. There have been a series of activities underway in Belarus to prevent, intercept and respond to it. At the international level the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in close co-operation with World Customs Organization and Interpol plays an important role in a number of bilateral and multilateral activities aimed at stopping illicit trafficking. Belarus has always been a strong supporter of these activities, being conscious of the fact that illicit trafficking is fraught with both proliferation implications and public exposure potential. (author)