In recent years, since the Chernobyl accident, the global safety record for nuclear power plants has shown a general improvement. However, continuous efforts are required to ensure that the technical and human requirements of safety culture are maintained at their optimum. This includes attention to effective management practices, continuous upgrading of safety features, the safe and secure control of all radiation sources, and the maintenance of a high degree of vigilance. The accident a few weeks ago at the Tokaimura Uranium Conversion Plant in Japan is a case in point. It is an example that such accidents can occur if the required level of vigilance decreases.
Safety is a national responsibility.
But we learned the hard way after Chernobyl that international co-operation is indispensable. The contribution of the IAEA is through the development of a comprehensive nuclear safety regime consisting of binding international agreements, detailed safety standards, measures to provide for the application of those agreements and standards, and promotion of technological innovations. In recent years, several important international conventions, negotiated under the IAEA's auspices, have helped to fill gaps in the international nuclear safety regime conventions relating to physical protection , civil liability for nuclear damage , nuclear safety and the safety of waste and spent fuel management . And we continue to examine other areas in which the international community might benefit from binding norms. Detailed safety standards are also subject to continuous review to ensure that they are complete and up to date.