Everyone has "the right to avoid nuclear damage"

November 23, 2015

Intl. forum calls for nuclear damage prevention

Nov. 23, 2015 - Updated 18:27 UTC+1

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20151123_22.html

Nuclear victims attending an international forum in Hiroshima have called for the prevention of damage caused by nuclear substances.

The World Nuclear Victims Forum opened on Saturday, marking the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

It has brought together people who have been exposed to radiation from 9 countries, including the United States and Australia.

They include those who were exposed to radiation due to nuclear bombs tests and uranium mining.

The participants wrapped up their 3-day meeting on Monday by unanimously adopting the Hiroshima Declaration.

The declaration says everyone has "the right to avoid nuclear damage" as well as the right to be free of pressure to engage in work that can be lead to radiation exposure.

The declaration notes people must not use nuclear energy because contamination will last for a long period of time should a nuclear disaster occur. It says there is no clear vision to secure the disposal of nuclear waste.

The declaration also says state governments promoting nuclear energy policies, as well as companies that cause contamination and their shareholders, should be held responsible in the event of a nuclear disaster.

The secretary general of the forum, Haruko Moritaki, said the participants were able to discuss what should be done in the future.
She added that she wants to create an international network with this week's meeting serving as a beginning.