What is the primary focus of the IAEA's Nuclear Security Recommendations?

The primary focus of the IAEA's Nuclear Security Recommendations is to provide a framework for states to establish and maintain effective national nuclear security regimes, with the goal of preventing nuclear and other radioactive material from falling into the wrong hands. This includes protecting against theft, sabotage, unauthorized access, illegal transfer, or other malicious acts involving nuclear material and nuclear facilities, as well as radioactive material used outside of nuclear facilities. The recommendations cover a wide range of topics, including physical protection, material accounting and control, detection of and response to nuclear security events, and the establishment of a strong nuclear security culture. They emphasize a graded approach, meaning that the level of security measures should be commensurate with the assessed threat and the attractiveness of the material. The IAEA's Nuclear Security Recommendations are non-binding, but they are widely recognized as international best practices and serve as a benchmark for states seeking to strengthen their nuclear security. The IAEA also provides assistance to states in implementing the recommendations through technical cooperation projects, training courses, and expert missions. The recommendations are regularly updated to reflect evolving threats and technological advancements. The overarching objective is to create a robust and sustainable global nuclear security framework that minimizes the risk of nuclear terrorism and proliferation.