Uzbekistan moves to strengthen nuclear liability laws

Lawmakers pass bill to join 1963 Vienna Convention, aligning Uzbekistan with global standards for nuclear damage compensation

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — Uzbekistan’s lower house of parliament has approved a landmark bill to join the 1963 Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage, aligning the country with international legal standards governing nuclear accident compensation.

According to independent outlet Kun.Uz, the draft law was passed in all three readings during a single session of the Legislative Chamber of the country’s bicameral parliament, with unanimous support from all 135 voting deputies. The bill now moves to the Senate for final approval.

The Vienna Convention provides a legal framework for civil liability in the event of a nuclear incident. It mandates that affected populations are entitled to financial compensation, sets clear responsibilities for nuclear operators, and establishes internationally recognized procedures and timeframes for claims and payouts.

Uzbekistan’s accession is expected to enhance legal protections for its citizens and reinforce trust in the country’s nuclear safety framework. Lawmakers said the move will also promote international cooperation and facilitate integration into the global nuclear governance system.

The decision is part of a broader national effort to align with international nuclear safety standards. A presidential decree dated December 24, 2024, laid out Uzbekistan’s intention to ratify several nuclear-related conventions. 

These include the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident, the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency, and the Convention on Nuclear Safety—all adopted in Vienna between 1986 and 1994.

By joining the Vienna Convention, Uzbekistan also commits to offering reliable financial guarantees in case of nuclear damage, a step seen as critical as the country continues developing its nuclear energy sector.