IAEA Board of Governors
Agenda item 6(b): Application of Safeguards in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
8 September 2026
Statement delivered by Charlotte East, Alternate Representative of Australia to the IAEA
Chair
Australia fully aligns itself with the Joint Statement of the DPRK Core group. In addition, I would like to make some brief remarks in my national capacity.
Australia is deeply troubled by the continuation and further development of the DPRK’s nuclear program detailed in the Director General’s latest report. This includes observations of: construction of an additional uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon; ongoing operation of the five-megawatt reactor and Light Water Reactor; completion of a recent reprocessing campaign at the Radiochemical Laboratory; and expanded mining, milling and concentration activities at Pyongsan. We further note with grave concern that the Punggye-ri test site remains capable of supporting a nuclear test.
Chair
These activities are in direct violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Australia once again urges the DPRK to take concrete steps towards the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of its nuclear weapons program. We call on the DPRK to cooperate with the IAEA for the full and effective implementation of comprehensive safeguards. We categorically reject any attempt by the DPRK, or others, to normalise its unlawful activities. The DPRK cannot, and will never, have the status of a nuclear-weapon State under the NPT.
We look forward to these core messages being strongly reaffirmed once again at the forthcoming General Conference through adoption of the long-standing resolution on the DPRK. In this context, we express appreciation to the Canadian delegation for their dedicated efforts as Coordinator of this resolution.
Australia reiterates our support for the Agency to maintain enhanced readiness to resume its essential role in verifying the DPRK’s nuclear program. We request that the Director General continues to monitor and report on developments to the Board, as appropriate.
Thank you.