International:


Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage

Objectives:

To establish minimum standards to provide financial protection against damage resulting from peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Summary of Provisions:

• The operator of a nuclear installation to be liable for nuclear damage on provision of proof that such damage was caused by an incident within the installation, or involving nuclear material originating therefrom or being sent thereto (art.2)
  
• The liability of the operator in such a case to be absolute, but the courts may make a finding of contributory negligence on the part of the person suffering such damage.
  
• The operator will not be liable if the nuclear incident was due directly to act of armed conflict, civil war, insurrection or a grave natural disaster of an exceptional character.
  
• Limits of liability and limitation of action established. (art.5 & art.6)
  
• Operator to maintain insurance or financial security to cover liability (art.7)

Date of Adoption:
21.5.1963 (Vienna)

Date of entry into force:
12.11.1977

Arab Participants:
Lebanon