At a plenary session of the Senate, the Law “On the Accession of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (Vienna, May 21, 1963)” was reviewed.

Uzbekistan’s accession to the Convention will enable the implementation of key provisions that establish a liability regime for damage caused by incidents at civilian nuclear facilities, including procedures, timeframes, and principles for compensation. In the event of a nuclear disaster, the nuclear liability regime will also ensure that compensation is provided to the people of Uzbekistan.

The primary objective of the document is to establish the liability of the operator for nuclear damage arising from incidents at facilities under the operator’s control, as well as to set minimum requirements to ensure financial protection against nuclear damage.

As noted, Uzbekistan’s accession to the Vienna Convention will facilitate access to the international legal framework in nuclear energy and safety. The Convention provides for guarantees of nuclear safety, adequate protection of the rights of those affected by nuclear damage, and the introduction of insurance and compensation mechanisms in the nuclear energy sector. This will enhance trust in the national nuclear safety system, strengthen international cooperation, and ensure compliance with modern standards in nuclear liability.

Uzbekistan’s accession to the Vienna Convention will also expand cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and accelerate the implementation of promising projects under its programs.

Following the discussion, the law was approved by the senators.

Norgul Abduraimova, UzA