Ongoing efforts to strengthen the international physical protection regime

In the year 1999 there were 504 different fuel cycle facilities worldwide, out of these 250 were in operation (58 uranium mills, 31 conversion plants, 22 enrichment plants, 49 fuel fabrication plants, 67 interim storage facilities, 13 reprocessing plants and 10 MOX plants). At the end of year 2000 there were 438 power reactors operating. Over 200 research reactors are shutdown but not decommissioned and over 200 research reactors are in operation. Nuclear materials in these facilities and during transport could be potential target for theft or sabotage as well as these facilities could be potential targets for sabotage. This situation is not new and special care is taken by States to protect and safeguard nuclear material and fuel cycle facilities under their jurisdiction. Although the responsibility for establishing comprehensive system for the protection of nuclear material in a State rest with that State, it is also a matter of international concern. The IAEA involvement and guidance in this area is very important and is directed from safeguards and safety perspective. (author)