Fukushima: Japan must not ignore human rights obligations on nuclear waste disposal – UN experts
GENEVA (9 June 2020) – UN human rights experts* today urged the Japanese Government to delay any decision on the ocean-dumping of nuclear waste water from the reactors at Fukushima Daiichi until after the COVID-19 crisis has passed and proper international consultations can be held.
"We are deeply concerned by reports that the Government of Japan has accelerated its timeline for the release of radioactive waste water into the ocean without time or opportunity for meaningful consultations," the independent experts said. Credible sources indicate the postponement of the 2020 Olympics enabled the Government's new decision-making process for release of the waste.
They said the Government's short extension for the current public consultation was grossly insufficient while COVID-19 measures limited opportunities for input from all affected communities in Japan, as well as those in neighbouring countries, including indigenous peoples.