The Deputy Permanent Representative of Belarus to the United Nations, Zoya Kolontai, has reminded delegates of the need to minimise the consequences of one of the largest man-made disasters in human history, which occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. She thanked everyone for their broad support regarding the draft resolution Strengthening International Co-operation and Co-ordination of Efforts to Study, Mitigate and Minimise the Consequences of the Chernobyl Disaster.
She stressed that the resolution aims to provide favourable conditions for further measures to restore affected areas, with Belarus being one of the worst affected countries from the accident. “Belarus received two-thirds of the radioactive fallout, with 23 percent of its territory contaminated. Belarus’ economic damage from the accident is estimated by experts to reach $235bn,” Ms. Kolontai noted. She explained the country’s efforts to provide social security and health services for the affected areas, which are home to 1.7m people today, while helping them redevelop. “Assistance and support from the international community, including UN organisations, is essential to the success of our national measures,” she admitted.
