Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (A/CPPNM)

Passed in 2005, the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (A/CPPNM) strengthens the Convention by establishing protections for nuclear material in peaceful domestic use alongside measures to protect nuclear facilities from sabotage. What exactly did the original Convention entail, and how does the Amendment aim to improve on it? How can the Amendment help ensure the continued peaceful use of nuclear science and technology, and what can we learn from efforts to implement the Amendment?

A fact sheet authored by VCDNP Senior Research Associate Ingrid Kirsten answers these questions, providing a complete overview of the A/CPPNM. The fact sheet elaborates in particular on implementation of the Amendment and the role of the 2022 Review Conference, highlighting ways that the Amendment adds to the Convention in physical protection, criminalising offences, and international cooperation. The fact sheet lays out lessons learnt and illustrates support offered by the IAEA to ensure adherence to and effective implementation of the CPPNM and its Amendment.

The fact sheet builds on earlier work on the A/CPPNM by the VCDNP, including in partnership with the IAEA to advance the entry into force of the Amendment and a series of events in preparation of the 2022 Review Conference.