The International Atomic Energy Agency and its role in protecting the human right to the environment and the right to development

The role played by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in protecting human rights, particularly the human right to the environment and the right to development, stems from the Agency's responsibility to regulate the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The Agency seeks to achieve a balance between promoting sustainable development and protecting the environment through its various agreements, programs, conferences, and forums, which aim to support sustainable agriculture, combat diseases, and improve water resource management, in addition to setting nuclear safety standards to reduce environmental and health risks. However, despite this, the IAEA faces difficulties and challenges in carrying out its duties, most notably political influences, the limited capabilities of some countries, the lack of equal opportunities, and other difficulties. This requires the international community to strengthen and support the Agency's efforts and promote transparency and fairness in the distribution of the benefits of peaceful nuclear uses, in accordance with humanitarian, developmental, and environmental principles.