The IAEA has held a legislative assistance mission in Côte d'Ivoire to discuss the legal framework needed to embark on a nuclear power programme.
The mission was arranged in response to a request from the Government through the Nuclear Safety and Security Authority (ARSN), as part of ongoing IAEA efforts to support countries in establishing a robust and comprehensive legal framework for the safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear power.
The objective of the mission was to discuss the legal framework for nuclear power further to the country's recent decision to consider embarking on a nuclear power program. The mission included a discussion on the draft law on nuclear safety, security and safeguards, and an awareness-raising meeting on nuclear law with high-level officials and legislators.
"These meetings were instrumental in deepening our understanding of the legal dimensions of nuclear energy. The guidance and expertise shared by the IAEA have been invaluable as we work toward building a comprehensive and effective legal framework to support our country's nuclear ambitions," stated Professor Kouame Alphonse Kadjo, Chairman of the Board of ARSN.
Currently, the country's draft law on nuclear safety, security and safeguards provides the legal framework for the safe and peaceful uses of nuclear applications. The three-day legislative drafting meeting provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions between the IAEA and national stakeholders on the IAEA's written comments on the draft law on nuclear safety, security and safeguards and to clarify the elements of a comprehensive national nuclear law, in line with the country's decision to consider including nuclear power into its energy mix. The meeting was attended by 15 participants from ARSN, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Mines, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environment, and the National Office for Civil Protection.
15 representatives from various ministries and ARSN attended the meeting. (Photo: ARSN)
This meeting was followed by an awareness-raising meeting attended by 22 high-level officials and legislators. The objective of the meeting was to raise awareness about the relevant international legal instruments on nuclear safety, security and liability that the country is not yet party to, as well as the elements of a comprehensive national nuclear law.
Currently, of the instruments adopted under IAEA auspices on nuclear safety and security, Cote d'Ivoire is only party to the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency, as well as the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its 2005 Amendment. The country is not yet party to any of the instruments on civil liability or nuclear damage.
The legal framework is one of the 19 infrastructure issues identified in the IAEA Milestones Approach which enables a sound development process for a nuclear power programme. The legal framework includes the relevant international legal instruments on nuclear safety, security and liability. The legal framework also includes the national legal framework for nuclear power which should comprehensively cover all aspects of nuclear law. Finally, the legal framework also includes all additional legislation that may affect the nuclear programme. As for the other infrastructure issues, the development of the legal framework based on the IAEA Milestones Approach follows a phased approach requiring specific actions during the three progressive phases of development.
High-level officials and legislators also gathered for an awareness-raising meeting. (ARSN)
