Publication Laka-library:
The Human Consequences of the Chernobyl Nuclear Accident (2002)
| Author | UNDP, UNICEF, UN-OCHA, WHO |
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2-34-8-11-10.pdf |
| Date | February 2002 |
| Classification | 2.34.8.11/10 (CHERNOBYL ACCIDENT - CONSEQUENCES SURROUNDINGS - MEDICAL & MUTATIONS) |
| Remarks | See also 2.34.8.11/28 |
| Front | 
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From the publication:
Preface
0.01 This Report contains the findings of a study commissioned by agencies of the
United Nations to obtain up-to-date and credible information on the current
conditions in which people affected by the Chernobyl accident are living fifteen
years after the explosion, and to make recommendations as to how their needs can
best be addressed in the light of this information.
0.02 The Report is addressed in the first instance to the UN and its funds, programmes
and specialised agencies and to the international donor community. The need
to tackle the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear accident has spurred the
development of wide-ranging international co-operation in science, humanitarian
assistance and technology. The primary role has, rightly, always been taken by
the Governments of the countries directly concerned, initially the Soviet Union
and, after 1991, Belarus, Russia and Ukraine. These countries have made an
enormous commitment in addressing the consequences of the accident, the scale
of which has never been fully appreciated by the outside world. The Report is
also addressed to the three concerned Governments for their consideration in
potential policies and actions related to the Chernobyl issue. A central role has
been played by the voluntary movement and by scientists, health workers and
other specialists. The Report addresses these interests too.
0.03 The study was conducted by a multidisciplinary international team in July and
August 2001 on behalf of UNDP and UNICEF, with the support of the UN Office
for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and WHO. The
assessment in the Report is based on rigorous analysis of evidence drawn from a
wide range of interviews and observations conducted in the affected areas. It
draws on discussions with senior officials in the three capitals and in the regions;
on research papers commissioned from leading national experts; on a review of
current reports, including the National Chernobyl Programmes of Belarus, the
Russian Federation and Ukraine; and on scientific papers, legal documents and
other publications. The Mission spent thirty-one days in the field, with
approximately ten days in each country.
0.04 The Mission Team consisted of six specialists from three disciplines: ecology,
health and economics. Three members of the team were recruited internationally,
while the other three were national experts, recruited one from each of the three
countries directly concerned (Annex 2). The Mission was supervised by a multi-
agency Steering Committee which included the UNDP Resident Representatives
for the three countries, the UNICEF Representative for the Russian Federation,
Ukraine and Belarus, and representatives of UN-OCHA and WHO. The Mission
is confident that it was able to carry out its enquiries in all three countries in an
independent manner and without undue influence. It thanks all of the many
individuals who assisted it in its work. The Mission commends the Report and
the recommendations that it contains to the international community, to the three
governments, and to the other parties concerned.