Feature Stories
The report was launched at a press conference in UN Headquarters in New York (Credit: R. Quevenco)
- Story Resources & Features
- The Human Consequences of the Chernobyl Accident: A Strategy for Recovery, UN Report 2002.
- Chernobyl on the Web
- 15 Years After Chernobyl
- IAEA-Chernobyl Timeline
- Thyroid Cancer Effects in Children
- Countering Agricultural Consequences
- Seeds of Promise for Farmers
- Prospects for Ukrainian Dairy
- Chernobyl's Liquidators
- The Book
- Post-Chernobyl Global Co-operation: 5 Years Later
- Experts Meeting 3-5 February to Set Roles and Work Plans
- Forum Sharpens Focus on Human Consequences of Chernobyl Accident
- Related Links
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United Nations organizations issue a report calling for action to counter Chernobyl's consequences
At a press conference on 6 February 2002, United Nations organizations launched a new report detailing a plan of action for assisting those countries most heavily affected by the Chernobyl accident.
The report, entitled "The Human Consequences of the Chernobyl Accident: A Strategy for Recovery" states that special attention should be given to the health problems of victims, as well as a long-term, well-funded research programme on the explosion's environmental and health consequences. It contains 20 proposed projects that address development needs to stimulate coperation between international organizations, donors and the voluntary sector.
Presenting the report were Kenzo Oshima, United Nations Coordinator of International Cooperation in Chernobyl, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, and Emergency Relief Coordinator; Mark Malloch Brown, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Carol Bellamy, Executive Director, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF); Kalman Mizsei, Deputy United Nations Coordinator for Chernobyl and Assistant Administrator of UNDP; and Douglas Gardner, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ukraine.
In his introduction, Mr. Oshima said the report contained the findings of a study completed in July-August 2001. It was comissioned by the country offices of the UNDP and UNICEF in Belarus, Russian Federation and Ukraine, the three countries most affected by the Chernobyl accident. Mr. Oshima also mentioned that ithe report had been reviewed by the IAEA, Food and Agriculture Organization, World Health Organization, and other organizations.
In a statement made by IAEA Representative to the UN in New York, Gustavo Zlauvinen, said the IAEA welcomed the report as it provides a useful framework for future collaboration between the UN system and the concerned States. It advocates a holistic approach to addressing the needs of all concerned by integrating socio-economic, health and ecological measures that need to be taken.
The IAEA also noted that the scientific conclusions of the report by and large reflect the findings of the international conferences held in commemoration of the tenth and fifteenth anniversaries of the accident.
In particular, the IAEA supports the report's idea of establishing an International Chernobyl Research Board on health and environmental matters and the concept of an independent/objective forum. The Agency looks forward to consultations with other interested organizations and the Governments concerned to discuss further the options for advancing such an initiative.
Since 1990, the IAEA has provided assistance towards mitigation of the consequences of Chernobyl through its Technical Co-operation programme totaling a disbursement of over $8.5 million. The Agency stands ready to continue its support, keeping in mind the report's assessment of the situation.