Securing Radioactive Sources During War Time and Violent Civil Unrest

This special report examines how States and end users can maintain appropriate security arrangements for radioactive sources during times of war and violent civil unrest. The report argues that such situations stretch the capabilities of the State – the entity ultimately responsible for nuclear security – to its limits and potentially beyond. Because of this, source users are or will likely be unable to rely on the State and/or all relevant stakeholders involved to fulfil its responsibilities in times of unrest and war as they might be able to in times of peace or normality.

This report attempts to address how extraordinary circumstances differ from normal ones; how relevant stakeholders can assess a rapidly evolving risk environment; and the steps to be taken to better prepare in keeping sources secure during these circumstances.