Uzbekistan joins Vienna Convention on liability for nuclear damage

Uzbekistan has joined the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage, adopted in Vienna on May 21, 1963. The Law “On the Accession of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage” was adopted on September 26.

With the country’s accession to the international convention, the key provisions that determine the liability regime for damage caused by incidents at civilian nuclear facilities, as well as the procedures, terms, and principles for compensation, will now apply in Uzbekistan. This nuclear liability regime ensures that citizens of Uzbekistan will be compensated in the event of a nuclear accident.

Joining the Vienna Convention will provide Uzbekistan with internationally recognized legal mechanisms for damage compensation, strengthen the protection of victims, define the clear responsibilities of nuclear facility operators, and establish reliable financial guarantees for compensation. It will also enhance confidence in the national nuclear safety system, strengthen international cooperation, and ensure compliance with modern standards in the field of nuclear liability.

Accession to the Convention will create the following opportunities:

•  Establish a liability regime for damage caused by incidents at civilian nuclear facilities, including procedures, terms, and principles for compensation.
•  Define clear obligations for nuclear facility operators and create reliable financial guarantees for compensation.
•  Enhance confidence in the national nuclear safety system, strengthen international cooperation, and ensure compliance with nuclear safety norms and standards.

The Convention establishes the liability of nuclear facility operators for damage resulting from incidents at facilities under their operation and sets minimum requirements for financial protection against nuclear damage.

This law was adopted by the Legislative Chamber on May 27 and approved by the Senate on June 26.