Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy under the NPT

Article IV of the NPT recognises the inalienable right of every State Party to research, produce and use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. This right must be exercised without discrimination and consistently with the Treaty's non-proliferation obligations.

Content of the right

The right belongs to all NPT parties, including both nuclear-weapon and non-nuclear-weapon States Parties.

• Parties may develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
• Parties have a right to participate in the fullest possible exchange of nuclear equipment, materials, and scientific and technological information for peaceful uses.

Conditions attached to its exercise

Article IV is not an exception to the NPT's non-proliferation rules. It expressly requires conformity with Articles I and II, which prohibit the transfer, receipt, manufacture or acquisition of nuclear weapons and related assistance.

• For non-nuclear-weapon States Parties, Article III safeguards enable the IAEA to verify that nuclear material is not diverted from peaceful activities to nuclear weapons.
• The provision does not guarantee an automatic transfer of every requested material or technology; cooperation remains subject to the Treaty's non-proliferation framework.

International cooperation

Under Article IV(2), parties undertake to facilitate peaceful nuclear exchanges and may cooperate individually, jointly, or through international organisations.

• Cooperation should promote the further development of peaceful nuclear applications, particularly in non-nuclear-weapon States Parties.
• The Treaty directs due consideration to the needs of developing regions.