![The Prime Minister of the Cook Islands and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Mark Brown and Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr Rafael Grossi [Photo: Forum Secretariat]](https://www.fijivillage.com/news_images/18921099864e51bf56578ff174f1af.jpg)
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat remains silent on Japan’s planned dumping of the Fukushima treated nuclear wastewater – which is expected to start as early as tomorrow.
fijivillage News has sent questions on the Pacific leaders’ stance on the issue as the call continues for the Forum leaders to oppose this ‘hurried’ dumping of the treated nuclear waste from tomorrow.
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica had said in April that if Japan says the treated water is safe, why is it not just using it domestically instead of dumping it in the ocean.
When contacted earlier, he referred all questions on the issue to Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka.
The Forum Secretariat is not responding to any of our questions but it sent a message saying that the Forum’s position has not changed since last covered off in the Forum Chair’s receipt of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Report.
The only responses we are getting when we are asking for specific questions to be answered are – we admire your tenacity and thank you for your patience and professionalism.
With the planned dumping to start tomorrow, we have again asked for written responses to our specific questions from the Pacific Islands Forum.
We have also highlighted that it is getting very concerning that the Forum Secretariat is opting to delay responses.
Questions are being raised on whether IAEA report can be trusted as many critics are saying full tests and effects from the dumping is not known, and critics say some of the UN special rapporteurs have also sent warning signals.
The Fiji NGO Coalition says they welcome the clear stance of UN Special Rapporteurs - Marcos A. Orellana, Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights, Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on Right to Food and David Boyd, Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment, who have all publicly expressed deep disappointment and strong concerns on the impact of Fukushima waste dumping in the Pacific. It was highlighted earlier that the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Mark Brown, received a visit from the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, who led a mission to the Cook Islands from 10th to 11th July 2023.
The visit focused on presenting to the Forum Chair key aspects of the IAEA’s final Report on the Safety Review of the ALPS-Treated Water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
The presentation took place on 10th July and was attended virtually by the Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Carmel Sepuloni, PIF Secretary General Henry Puna, and other senior level representation across the Forum membership. The IAEA Cook Islands visit was part of a multi-stop journey to Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.
Released online on 4th July, the IAEA Report concluded that Japan’s plans to release the 1.3 million tonnes of treated radioactive nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean over the next four decades meets international safety standards.
In his remarks, Brown noted the critical work of the IAEA and its history of cooperation with Forum members, nine of whom are IAEA members.
He said the Forum’s prior engagement with the IAEA have been related to the Pacific’s nuclear testing legacy, a legacy which continues to affect our people and our ocean, eight decades on.
Brown said more than ever, our region’s co-operation with the IAEA and the international community, including through membership of the IAEA, is needed.
Highlighting the Pacific Nuclear Free Zone established under the Treaty of Rarotonga, Brown expressed the region’s continued determination to ensure that the bounty and beauty of the ocean space, the land territory, and the airspace above them shall remain the heritage of our peoples and our descendants in perpetuity to be enjoyed by all.
The Forum Chair highlighted the importance of continued dialogue and genuine engagement on this issue moving forward.
The Forum Chair said he will work with Forum Leaders on next steps.
Stay with us for developments.
