Vienna: The delegation of the Republic of Iraq has presented its first national report on compliance with the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management. This was during the eighth review meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Convention, organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, from March 17-28, 2025.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Iraqi delegation, led by Nuclear Engineer Fadel Hawi Mezban, the head of the National Authority for Nuclear, Radiological, Chemical and Biological Protection, participated as Rapporteur of Group V. The team comprised experts and specialists from the National Authority, the Iraqi Atomic Energy Commission, and Iraq’s Permanent Mission in Vienna.

The Chairman of the National Authority emphasized Iraq’s ongoing commitment to nuclear safety and security standards, aligned with its international obligations. He highlighted that participation in the meeting underscores Iraq’s dedication to international safety requirements and its continued efforts in managing radioactive waste safely.

The Chairman also mentioned the enactment of the Authority’s Law No. (1) of 2024, which has enhanced Iraq’s legislative and regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety. This, along with updated national strategies for radioactive waste, has bolstered Iraq’s position in achieving human safety and environmental protection.

The Iraqi delegation’s report provided an overview of the current state of radioactive waste management, including activities related to the decommissioning of former nuclear facilities and radiation practices in medical and industrial sectors. It also detailed national efforts to build executive and regulatory capacities.

Furthermore, the report reviewed Iraq’s legislative and regulatory measures to comply with the Joint Convention, while outlining future plans for the design, construction, and operation of radioactive waste management facilities.

Iraq became a contracting party to the Convention on Nuclear Safety in 2023 under Law No. (7) of 2023, which was issued in May 2023. This accession came into effect in February 2024, aiming to ensure commitment among contracting parties and maintain high safety standards in managing spent fuel and radioactive waste.