NHRI and FANR strengthen human‑rights safeguards in nuclear regulation

The National Human Rights Institution and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation met in Abu Dhabi to align regulatory enforcement with rights to life, health and environmental sustainability.

Meeting in Abu Dhabi focuses on rights and regulatory clarity

Senior officials from the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) met in Abu Dhabi on 21 September to discuss closer institutional cooperation and the human‑rights dimensions of nuclear and radiological activity.

Dr Salem Suhail Al Neyadi, Chairperson of the NHRI, and Hamad Ali Mohammed Al Kaabi, FANR Director‑General, explored areas of complementarity between their mandates with the stated aim of reinforcing protections for the rights to life, health and safety where nuclear and radiological applications are concerned.

Integrating human‑rights safeguards into enforcement

A principal focus of the discussions was the NHRI’s advisory input on FANR’s draft regulation governing enforcement procedures. The NHRI emphasised its role in providing a human‑rights perspective on the proposed measures, assessing whether procedural safeguards are adequately specified, proportionate and capable of independent review.

The NHRI framed its participation as consistent with its statutory mandate, the Paris Principles and relevant international human‑rights standards, noting the importance of clarity in enforcement powers and of accessible grievance and review mechanisms for those affected by regulatory action.

Environment, future generations and integrated regulation

Beyond immediate safety considerations, the meeting addressed environmental protection, sustainability and the rights of future generations. Both parties indicated a shared interest in ensuring that regulatory design supports long‑term wellbeing alongside compliance with technical safety, nuclear security, safeguards and radiation protection requirements.

FANR was commended by the NHRI for progressing an integrated regulatory framework for enforcement procedures. Such a framework, the NHRI said, can help strengthen adherence to laws, regulations, licences and decisions while ensuring enforcement actions are compatible with human‑rights obligations.

The meeting reflects an institutional effort to balance rigorous regulatory oversight with due regard for procedural fairness and human‑rights protections in matters that have direct implications for public health, safety and the environment.

Source: WAM — https://www.wam.ae/en/article/c2cx51a-nhri-fanr-strengthen-safeguards-for-safety