The IAEA code of conduct on the safety of radiation sources and the security of radioactive materials. A step forwards or backwards?

About the finalization of the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of radioactive Sources, it appeared that two distinct but interrelated subject areas have been identified: the prevention of accidents involving radiation sources and the prevention of theft or any other unauthorized use of radioactive materials. What analysis reveals is rather that there are gaps in both the content of the Code and the processes relating to it. Nevertheless, new standards have been introduced as a result of this exercise and have thus, as an enactment of what constitutes appropriate behaviour in the field of the safety and security of radioactive sources, emerged into the arena of international relations. (N.C.)