The least important activity when protecting human subjects in international research is assessing transportation conditions. Although assessing transportation conditions is important for logistics and ensuring the safety and comfort of research subjects, it is more of a logistical consideration rather than a fundamental ethical one directly related to the protection of human subjects. Other activities like determining unique risks based on local socio-economic conditions, consulting with community members, and considering local customs and laws are more critical for ethical protection of human subjects in international research.