The IAEA at the NPT Review Conference. A historical overview

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) was opened for signature in 1968 and entered into force in 1970. As set out in Article VIII of the Treaty, the Parties agreed to regularly monitor the implementation of the NPT and hold a conference to review the operation of the Treaty five years after its entry into force, with further conferences every five years. The IAEA, which has a major verification role under the Treaty and facilitates international cooperation in peaceful nuclear uses, has participated in this review process, and its roles and contributions have been recognized by the Parties at all NPT Review Conferences. Ahead of the first Review Conference, held in 1975, the IAEA prepared a technical report on its activities in connection with Article III (on safeguards), as well as working papers on its activities under Article IV (on peaceful nuclear cooperation) and Article V (on nuclear explosions for peaceful purposes).