IAEA Board of Governors
Agenda item 5(d): Application of safeguards in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
9 June 2026
Statement delivered by Dr Sarah Goodall, Alternate Representative of Australia to the IAEA
Chair,
Australia wishes to express our sincere appreciation for the IAEA’s professionalism in continuing to keep Board members informed of developments related to the DPRK’s nuclear program.
Australia strongly condemns the DPRK’s continued nuclear activities which are in clear violation of its international obligations under multiple UN Security Council resolutions. We are deeply troubled by indications of the DPRK’s ongoing expansion of its undeclared fissile material production capabilities and reprocessing activities, as outlined in the Director General’s updates and highlighted by DPRK’s flagrant public unveiling of an additional facility on 4 June. The DPRK’s unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs pose a grave and unacceptable threat to international peace and security and undermines the non-proliferation regime.
Chair,
We reiterate that the DPRK cannot, and will never, have the status of a nuclear‑weapon State under the NPT. Australia unequivocally rejects any attempt to normalise the DPRK’s unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs. We call upon all States to fully implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions and sanctions, remain vigilant over potential proliferation associated with the DPRK, and to strongly urge the DPRK to return to full compliance with its international obligations. We further urge the DPRK to take concrete steps towards the complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement of its nuclear weapons program and engage in dialogue and diplomacy, which provide the only path to lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Chair,
The IAEA’s provision of regular objective and technical assessments in relation to the DPRK’s nuclear activities remains essential to informing the Board and the broader international community. Australia commends the IAEA for maintaining its enhanced readiness to verify the DPRK’s nuclear program. We request that the Director General continues to report developments to the Board, as appropriate.
Thank you.