In Burkina Faso, nuclear science and technology are being used to treat cancer, control pests such as tsetse flies, and improve sheep and goat productivity. Central to the safe and secure use of these nuclear applications is a comprehensive legal framework. The Recognition and Bilateral Review Conference, held in Vienna from 19 to 22 December 2023, will bring together IAEA legal experts and a Burkina Faso delegation to discuss the country’s nuclear legal framework and how to strengthen it. discussed.
“The Government of Burkina Faso benefited from IAEA legislative assistance in drafting the Nuclear Law in 2011, after which this comprehensive Nuclear Law was adopted and entered into force in June 2012. “As part of our long-standing cooperation with Burkina Faso, we are leaving it to the discretion of the government as it works towards strengthening the legal framework on nuclear weapons in the country. I fully support,” he continued.
The meeting, convened at the request of the Government of Burkina Faso, discussed IAEA recommendations in detail and proposed amendments to the new draft law on radiation protection, nuclear safety, security and safeguards. The country’s delegation consisted of his seven senior government officials from the National Agency for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (ARSN), the Ministry of Environment, Green Economy and Climate Change, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Sanitation and the Burkina Faso Permanent Representative. rice field. in Vienna.
The conference was held in French and also provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance and benefits of complying with relevant international legal instruments. In this connection, the Senior Advocate engaged in a discussion of a document on international nuclear liability adopted under his IAEA auspices to which no country has yet become a party.
Martial Zoungrana, Director of ARSN, thanked the IAEA for helping train ARSN staff and assisting in the preparation of legislative and regulatory documents on radiation protection, safety and nuclear security in Burkina Faso. The difficulty of regulation has been pointed out. It is time to revise it to improve radiation protection, safety and security aspects and the status of ARSN, and also to take into account nuclear facilities and civil liability issues. “
The meeting was held within the framework of Regional Technical Cooperation (TC) Project RAF0061 on Legislative Support under the IAEA Legislative Support Program. In addition to the review meetings, delegates interacted with representatives of the IAEA’s technical cooperation program, learned about areas where the IAEA can assist in achieving its development goals, and understood how the program cycle works. bottom.na
