International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005)

Summary

The international treaty against nuclear terrorism adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in April 2005, aims to improve the global legal framework to counter terrorist threats. The treaty was opened for signatures in September 2005.

Based on an instrument originally proposed by the Russian Federation in 1998, the Convention provides for a definition of acts of nuclear terrorism and covers a broad range of possible targets, including those against nuclear power plants and nuclear reactors. Under its provisions, the alleged offenders must be either extradited or prosecuted. It also encourages States to cooperate in preventing terrorist attacks by sharing information and assisting each other in connection with criminal investigations and extradition proceedings. The treaty requires that any seized nuclear or radiological material is held in accordance with IAEA safeguards, and handled in regard to the IAEA's health, safety and physical protection standards.