Chernobyl: Statement by the UN Coordinator of International Cooperation on Chernobyl USG for Humanitarian Affairs Oshima to the WIT conference

New York, 25 April 2003 - I am privileged to join you here today and am deeply grateful for this opportunity to say a few words on the occasion of the 17th Anniversary of the Chernobyl accident, the worst nuclear mishap that the world has ever known.
As the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator and the Coordinator of International Cooperation on Chernobyl, I have been closely involved in coordinating the relief work of the international community for the victims of the disaster and in long-term planning for rehabilitation of the people of the devastated areas. I am, therefore, keenly aware of the importance of this commemorative event and would like to express my deep appreciation to World Information Transfer (WIT) as well as the Government of Ukraine, UNICEF and the organizing committee, for all the hard work they have put in to make it possible.

A disaster that brings sudden death and destroys the normal life of people is a tragedy that only human beings can fully appreciate. Only they can respond to the grief of others as if it was their own grief. In memory of those who have gone I would like to ask you to stand and observe a minute of silence.

The Chernobyl accident affected a very large area that was home to millions of people. The immediate impact and lingering effects in contaminated territories, with short-term radiation several times above the natural levels, meant that an enormous number of people had to be evacuated. Families were uprooted and the lives of men, women and children were transformed and traumatized. Even today, 17 years after the catastrophe, many of the citizens affected in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine continue to experience the hardships of living in a poisoned land. I had the opportunity to visit the Chernobyl region of Ukraine and Belarus in April last year and see it for myself. The experience they underwent will scar their lives for many years to come. A nuclear disaster, like war or natural calamity, affects not only the living; future generations are not spared either. Many of the young victims were not even born at the time of the accident; but like their parents, they too are confronted with the physical, psychological, environmental and socio-economic consequences.

It is a tribute to the people of these blighted lands that, in the face of continuing though invisible danger, they have persevered in their efforts to rebuild their communities and find their way back to normalcy. They have shown enormous courage in their efforts to mitigate the suffering of their neighbours and to help deal with the problems caused by Chernobyl. National Governments, particularly those of the three most seriously affected countries, have continued to carry enormous burdens, including financial burdens, to address the problems resulting from the accident -- this at a time of economic difficulty.

The international community has also responded in a spirit of humanity and fellowship. In the first decade, and certainly ever since Chernobyl was brought to the United Nations in 1990, the requirement was for immediate assistance in the form of emergency relief. And that, appropriately enough, was what the international community and the national governments concentrated on. However, that period for emergency relief is now clearly over and a new approach is needed.

Some may wonder why, 17 years later, the international community is still focusing on Chernobyl. There are, of course, issues related to nuclear plant safety. The Chernobyl Shelter Fund was established and 26 international donors, including the G7 countries, the EU and Ukraine, among others, have contributed to this. But beyond the safety issue, there are also many other pressing concerns that will continue to require attention in the aftermath of the tragedy. The immediate humanitarian crisis that resulted from the explosion has been somewhat mitigated, but its effects continue to linger in a number of areas in socio-economic, environmental, psychological and other consequences of the disaster.

It is important to remember that in dealing with these problems, we must not limit ourselves only to the past or the present. We must also look at the future and that is one reason for the world to remain concerned. Today there are over 400 nuclear reactors in operation around the world. Experts regard the possibility of a similar major accident as rather small. Future designs will doubtless be better and safer. However, we cannot ignore the fact that even the best designs can never assure total safety or preclude all accidents.

As I have said, Chernobyl has affected very large numbers of human beings, including children. Their future prospects have been profoundly influenced by decisions over which they have had no say. The well-being of these people is at stake. The international community cannot abandon them now.

As I mentioned, the period of the immediate emergency relief is now passed, the nature of the problem has undergone a change and has necessitated a shift in emphasis in our approach to the problems posed by Chernobyl. As a consequence, the United Nations has initiated a change process, which places greater emphasis on long-term development perspective for the welfare of the affected people, while continuing to address immediate humanitarian concerns where they exist. This reorientation of effort must involve empowerment of individuals and communities and targeted assistance to the most affected people and localities. It calls for an enhanced role of development-oriented agencies such as UNDP among others.

Another reason for the international community to continue to cooperate in resolving the human problems linked to Chernobyl is more positive. It is the potential that such unique collaboration -- involving not only governments and international organizations but also doctors and scientists and ordinary people -- has of serving as a model for future emergencies and humanitarian relief work.

This is the background to the UN undertaking. An inter-agency assessment was undertaken in the past two years, which resulted in a report entitled "The Human Consequences of the Chernobyl Nuclear Accident - A Strategy for Recovery", published in February last year. Since this report came out, some new initiatives have been undertaken to start on a few practical actions.

First, a new Swiss-funded international Chernobyl website, operated with the cooperation of the UN, was launched in June last year. I thank the Swiss Government for this initiative, and other active support that has been given to Chernobyl.

Second, the "Chernobyl Forum" has been established. It is led by IAEA. Other participants include FAO, OCHA, UNDP, UNEP, UNSCER, WHO and the World Bank, as well as the authorities of Belarus, the Russian Federation and the Ukraine. The first meeting of the Forum was held in February this year. This body is intended to assess the situation and make recommendations that will contribute to overcoming the widespread disagreements over the long-term impact of the Chernobyl accident. In particular, the Forum will focus on the environmental and health consequences of the accident. I applaud the IAEA for taking this initiative on the Chernobyl Forum.

Third, concerted work is in progress within the UN for the creation of an International Chernobyl Research and Information Network (ICRIN). It is expected to be launched within the next few months. It will attempt to compile, consolidate and disseminate scientific information. It will commission further studies where required and ensure effective dissemination of its findings. The primary beneficiary of the Network will have to be the people affected in the region. This information will assist in reaching informed decisions on the long-term recovery and management phases and help ameliorate the complex and diverse humanitarian, ecological, economic, social and medical problems of the affected territories. In this way it will support the ongoing international, national and civil society efforts for their sustainable development.

Fourth, a number of pilot projects to support socio-economic rehabilitation, and to improve health conditions of the people in the region, have been developed by the UN agencies. A total of US$240,000 has been provided as "seed money" to kick start the implementation of these projects in the three countries. My office has also been developing a website and comprehensive database on Chernobyl for further improving coordination and information dissemination.

So, there is a new momentum created by these initiatives. For this momentum to be sustained, some substantial resources are needed. Many countries have been generous with assistance over the years, and I strongly hope that donors will not forget the human dimension of Chernobyl and continue to be supportive.

Allow me take this opportunity to stress the crucial role that non-governmental organizations have played in this work - both those NGOs that have brought tangible, material assistance to the affected areas as well those that helped to mobilize and raise awareness of the need for this assistance. Without their help, deep commitment and dedicated hard work, no amount of assistance would have proved adequate.

I come from a city that has known the horrors of nuclear catastrophe only too well. Both in my individual and official capacity, therefore, I am deeply committed to do whatever I can to appeal for the Chernobyl victims and continue to try and mobilize the resources necessary. It is my duty to ensure full implementation of the strategy and to promote the priority projects. Together we must struggle to keep Chernobyl on the international agenda until the full range of humanitarian effects of the catastrophe are adequately addressed. Only through joint action will we be able to achieve that measure of success which will enable us to claim that we have done our best.

The task is challenging, it may even seem difficult, but to empower the victims of Chernobyl and to once again make their villages and habitations places of beauty and bliss is a sacred trust that we cannot ignore or abandon.

Thank you.