Strengthened safeguards: Present and future challenges

The IAEA safeguards system is experiencing what can be seen as a revolution and, in doing so, is confronting a series of challenges. Strengthening measures have meant the availability of more information, increased access to facilities and other locations, and the enhanced use of advanced technology. Implementing these measures has demanded a period of rapid development, which is far from complete. These challenges can be grouped into three areas: drawing and maintaining safeguards conclusions, designing and implementing integrated safeguards, and achieving 'cost neutrality' while maintaining quality and credibility. Implementation of additional protocols represents the most dramatic step the international community has taken over the past decade to strengthen the IAEA safeguards system. However, the full potential of strengthened and integrated safeguards can be realized only when there is universal adherence to the provisions of INFCIRC/540 (Corr.). In 1997, when the Board of Governors approved the Model Additional Protocol, there was no shortage of supporting statements by Member States. It is disappointing, therefore, that so many States have been slow in matching their words with deeds. The IAEA safeguards system is changing and presents many challenges. The Agency is working to meet these challenges and, as experience is gained, the planning and implementation measures are being further developed. At the same time, safeguards activities continue to be conducted, covering the 352 facilities with one significant quantity or more of nuclear material. The fact that the Agency is managing to conduct these activities with historically high levels of success while facing all the challenges that have been outlined is an achievement in which the Agency can take pride