Australian written statement on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Seventh Review Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management
June 27-July 9, 2022
President,
As Contracting Parties meet over the coming two weeks to review implementation of the Joint Convention, we cannot ignore the reality that this Review Meeting is not taking place under normal circumstances.
Australia is compelled by Russia’s participation at this Seventh Review Meeting to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, Russia’s unprovoked, unjust, and illegal invasion of Ukraine.
Australia stands in staunch support of Ukraine and its people and supports ongoing peace talks and all efforts to cease hostilities and end the war.
Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, armed attacks, and military occupation of civilian nuclear facilities have severe implications on the implementation of the Joint Convention, and are in direct contradiction of the Article 1 objectives contained therein. Russia’s actions pose grave threats to nuclear safety, security and safeguards and significantly endangers the safe operation of nuclear power plants and the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste.
Australia calls on Russia to immediately cease armed attacks and withdraw its forces from Ukraine. Russia must return Ukraine’s nuclear facilities to full Ukrainian control to allow for restoration of the effective regulatory oversight by the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine.
This will guarantee the safety and security of nuclear facilities, including the safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste.
It is essential that we do not ignore the events in Ukraine as we engage in the peer review process and other activities during this Meeting of the Contracting Parties of the Joint Convention.
Finally, Australia fully supports the IAEA’s efforts to ensure the ongoing safety of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities. We also wish to recognise and commend the heroic efforts of the Ukrainian staff who continue to work tirelessly to ensure that Ukraine complies with its nuclear safety obligations despite being placed under extraordinary pressure by Russian forces.
Thank you, President.