It is incumbent on all of us to ensure the highest level of due diligence and ongoing monitoring of the planned discharge – Forum Chair

As related to the complex case of the Japan Fukushima nuclear wastewater issue, Pacific Islands Forum Leaders have continued to prioritise the importance of “international consultation, international law, and independent and verifiable scientific assessments”.

Those are the words of the Forum Chair and Cook Islands Prime Minister, Mark Brown as calls continue for the Pacific leaders to speak out against the planned treated nuclear wastewater discharge by Japan from tomorrow.

Brown says given our Blue Pacific region’s ongoing nuclear testing legacy, and our collective commitment to the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone - also known as the Treaty of Rarotonga – the Forum will always exercise the highest levels of caution on all nuclear related issues.

He says the decision by the Government of Japan to request Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) prepare for release the treated water currently stored at the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean, with the first treated water set to be discharged on or after tomorrow, comes after over 28 months of consultations, including at the highest political level, and at the scientific level between the Pacific Islands Forum and the Government of Japan and Forum and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The Forum Chair says they note the IAEA’s recommendations that the plans by Japan are consistent with international nuclear safeguards and that impacts on the environment and human health are negligible.

Brown says at the same time, they appreciate the advice rendered by the independent Forum panel of scientific experts.

He says it is not lost on him that there remains diverging views and responses in the international community, and within our Blue Pacific region.

Brown says as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, he is committed to maintaining ongoing dialogue with the Government of Japan and the IAEA on this matter.

He says as custodians of our Blue Pacific Continent, and in recognition of the transboundary and transgenerational nature of this issue, it is incumbent on all of us to ensure the highest level of due diligence and ongoing monitoring of the planned discharge.

Brown says in this respect, and while they note the recent decision announced by Japan on the release date, Forum Leaders will as a matter of priority consider latest developments in their next meeting, as will Foreign Forum Ministers when they meet next month.

He says the Forum Secretariat will continue to facilitate ongoing dialogue with the Government of Japan and the IAEA to ensure that Forum Members are privy to the latest information and updates.

The Forum Chair has released this statement after continuous questions also being raised by fijivillage News to the Forum Secretariat. We are also trying to find out if other independent assessments are being done regarding the planned discharge.