Uzbekistan passes law to join nuclear liability convention

At a recent session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, members approved the law “On the Accession of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (Vienna, May 21, 1963)”.

In an exceptional move, the bill was adopted in all three readings during the same session and forwarded to the Senate for approval. A total of 135 deputies voted in favor, with no votes against or abstentions.

By joining this convention, Uzbekistan will adopt international norms governing civil liability for nuclear damage, including the procedures, timeframes, and principles for compensation related to incidents at nuclear facilities.

The convention ensures that, in the event of a nuclear disaster, the people of Uzbekistan will be entitled to financial compensation.

Accession to the Vienna Convention introduces internationally recognized legal mechanisms for damage compensation, strengthens protection for victims, clearly defines the responsibilities of nuclear facility operators, and establishes reliable financial guarantees to cover potential losses.

According to lawmakers, this move will enhance trust in Uzbekistan’s national nuclear safety framework. It will also bolster international cooperation and ensure compliance with global nuclear liability standards.

Uzbekistan’s accession to the Vienna Convention was outlined in a presidential decree dated December 24, 2024. The country is also expected to ratify several other international agreements related to nuclear safety, including the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency (Vienna, September 26, 1986), the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident (Vienna, September 26, 1986), and the Convention on Nuclear Safety (Vienna, June 17, 1994).