IAEA Strengthens Global Nuclear Law Expertise Through Workshop

Lawyers from regulatory bodies and other government institutions from Africa, Europe, and Asia and the Pacific recently participated in the IAEA's Interregional Training on Nuclear Law and Legislative Assistance for Experts to further develop their expertise in nuclear law and to familiarize them with the process of delivering legislative assistance. The training, which took place in Vienna, Austria, from 25 to 28 April 2023, consisted of presentations, case studies and discussions conducted by the IAEA and other experts in nuclear law.

"As the needs of Member States for legal expertise in the field of nuclear law grow and it further evolves internationally, it is important for the Legislative Assistance Programme to assist in developing national expertise," Peri Lynne Johnson, IAEA Legal Advisor and Director of the IAEA Office of Legal Affairs, said during her opening remarks. "We aim to further expand the pool of experts who may be invited to participate in our legislative assistance activities."

The training provided a general overview of the IAEA Legislative Assistance Programme, the elements of comprehensive national nuclear legal frameworks, and the international and national legal frameworks for nuclear and radiation safety, nuclear security, safeguards and nuclear liability, followed by discussions on the national practices of the represented countries. Case studies enabled participants to conduct simulated legislative assistance activities in groups. They also practiced reviews of template draft laws. They conducted hypothetical meetings with government officials to raise their awareness of and advise on the drafting and implementing international and national nuclear law. They also participated in case studies on nuclear liability.

"It was of noteworthy benefit to engage in 'hands-on' exercises with a specific focus on reviewing national legislation and on developing skills to assess and present adequately international legal instruments to stakeholders," said Yuliya Dimitrova, legal expert at the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of Bulgaria. Dimitrova said that she "particularly liked the small group discussions on case studies, led by IAEA staff and experts."

The training is one in a series of events held within the context of the IAEA Legislative Assistance Programme. The Programme covers all areas of nuclear law and includes regional, sub-regional and national activities that support countries in developing adequate and comprehensive national nuclear legislation and in adhering to and implementing the legal instruments adopted under IAEA auspices.