The international legal framework for nuclear security consists of legal instruments and generally accepted principles designed to prevent, detect and respond to criminal and other unauthorized activities that involve or target nuclear or other radioactive material and related facilities or activities.
 Joint adherence to these instruments and a unified national legal framework can make a significant contribution to the fight against nuclear terrorism.
 Today, nuclear safety is considered the main condition for the use of nuclear energy. Over the years, this understanding has been legally guaranteed and confirmed by various decisions and resolutions of the IAEA Governing Council, the General Conference, the Security Council and the UN General Assembly.
 However, the genesis of the international legal framework of nuclear safety was formed in a complex manner and in direct connection with historical events in the world, which is why it currently consists of various legally binding and non-binding international documents, which can sometimes be considered incomprehensible. The article attempts to shed light on the genesis of international legal means of ensuring nuclear safety, through a comprehensive review of legal instruments in the sphere of ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear materials. The article aims to deepen the knowledge and general understanding of the history and scope of the relevant legislation, including the relevant obligations undertaken by states and the relevant specific functions assigned to regulatory bodies and states. The work can be useful to legislators, government officials, technologists, lawyers, diplomats, mass media, general public and students of «international law» and «international relations» to increase awareness and understanding of changes in the international legal framework of nuclear safety.
 Research on the genesis of nuclear law and safety can be useful for the creation and maintenance of national legislative and regulatory frameworks for nuclear safety. This publication brings together the main legally binding international documents and internationally recognized non-binding documents that form the international legal framework for nuclear safety.