UN not so optimistic

November 26, 2012

UN HR expert criticizes Fukushima response

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20121126_28.html

A UN human rights expert says the Japanese government should do more to protect the rights of those affected by the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

UN Special Rapporteur Anand Grover was speaking to reporters on Monday in Tokyo. Grover had been in the disaster-stricken northeast since last Thursday. He was studying whether the rights and the health of evacuees and others affected by the accident are being properly protected.

Grover criticized the Japanese government for not adequately responding to the accident in terms of protecting the people it affected. He said an example would be the government's not immediately disclosing forecast data from the SPEEDI system, which charts the spread of radioactive substances.

He also criticized the government for not conducting long-term follow-up medical checkups on those working to decommission the damaged reactors.

Grover said the needs of pregnant woman, children, the elderly and other socially disadvantaged people are not fully reflected in the decision-making process for decontamination and other issues. He said he will urge Japan to improve the situation.

The UN Human Rights Council will soon submit to the Japanese government the results of Grover's visit. A final report will be submitted to the Council in June of next year.

U.N. envoy: Japan should do more for nuke victims

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20121126p2g00m0dm064000c.html

TOKYO (AP) -- A United Nations rights investigator has said Japan hasn't fully served the health needs of residents and workers affected by the nuclear crisis and address their concerns.

Anand Grover, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health, said Monday that Japan has over-emphasized optimistic views of radiation risks and conducted limited health checks after a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant caused by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011.

Many plant workers on short-term contracts have no access to permanent health check.

Grover wrapped up his 11-day survey in Fukushima and other areas. He also cited residents' complaints about the lack of access to their own health-check results.

Japan's government has been criticized for coverups and delays in disclosing key radiation information, causing deep-rooted public distrust.