The revelation by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) about recent damage of uranium enrichment facilities in Iran has raised concerns about nuclear safety and security in the ongoing conflict in the middle east.

About Nuclear Safety and Security

• Definition: 
  • Nuclear security is the prevention and detection of, and response to
    • unauthorised access or removal,
    • sabotage, and illegal transfer or 
    • other malicious acts involving nuclear or radiological material or their associated facilities. 
  • Nuclear safety involves prevention of and protection against accidents involving such material or related facilities that could give rise to radiation risks. 
• Nuclear safety vs nuclear security: Unlike Nuclear safety, nuclear Security deals with intentional threats (e.g., terrorism, sabotage)

Role of IAEA in ensuring nuclear safety and Security 

• Genesis: IAEA, an autonomous oragnisation of the UN, founded in 1957 (india is a founding member). 
• Functions:  works on issues like peaceful uses of nuclear energy, food safety, cancer control and sustainable development.
• Conventions on Nuclear Safety and Security 
  • Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material:First multilateral agreement and the only internationally legally binding treaty for physical protection of nuclear material.
  •  Code of Conduct in Safety and Security of Radioactive Source: A non-legally binding legal instrument issued by the IAEA. 
  • Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS):  Aims to commit Contracting Parties operating land-based civil nuclear power plants to maintain a high level of safety. 
  • Vienna Declaration on Nuclear Safety: To prevent accidents and mitigate radiological consequences