Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage
The Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage provides a basic framework for financial protection in the event of nuclear damage caused by the operation of civilian nuclear facilities, and from nuclear material originating or being sent to the facility. If such a case occurs the operator of the facility is responsible for providing compensation to the affected parties. If the operator is unable to provide sufficient funds from their own mandatory insurance policy to furnish compensation claims the state which the installation is based in is obliged to provide the necessary funds. Liability is, however, limited to a maximum of ten years and if no case is started within this period then all claims to compensation are considered null and void. Moreover, the operator is liable to pay at least a minimum level of USD $5 Million (1963). The convention currently has 40 State Parties involved and as of 1997 has been affected by the Protocol to amend the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage.