March 23, 2026 05:16 am (IST)
Follow us:
Ban marks Chernobyl anniversary, seeks support for recovery efforts
New York, Apr 26 (IBNS): "This is an opportunity to pay tribute to the emergency workers who responded, remember the more than 330,000 people who were evacuated from contaminated regions, and stand in solidarity with the millions who still live in the affected areas in Belarus, the Russian Federation and Ukraine," said a statement issued by the spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General.
The explosion that occurred at Chernobyl on 26 April, 1986 marked the worst nuclear power plant accident in history. The United Nations has played an important role in addressing the challenges faced by affected communities, and remains committed to the UN Action Plan on Chernobyl until 2016.
The Plan contains a declaration of principles embraced by all UN agencies involved in recovery efforts and emphasizes social and economic development and the promotion of healthy lifestyles and community self-reliance.
“Those affected still require targeted yet comprehensive support in creating new livelihoods and restoring self-reliance and self-sufficiency. The Secretary-General applauds the determination of people in affected territories to bring life in the region back to normal,” said the statement.
Ban noted that Chernobyl recovery has produced new knowledge and experience in addressing the multifaceted consequences of nuclear emergencies.
“Over the years, the United Nations and its partners have tackled development challenges that emerged in the aftermath of the nuclear disaster, supported recovery efforts tailored to addressing the fallout, and found practical solutions on the ground,” the statement noted, adding that Ban welcomes the request of the General Assembly to fully utilize those experiences in development cooperation worldwide.
“On this solemn occasion, the Secretary-General calls upon the international community to further support the process of recovery and sustainable development in the Chernobyl-affected region, to optimize the knowledge gained for the common good, and to do everything possible to prevent any future nuclear disasters.”
(The ill-fated 4th block of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. Photo: IAEA/Petr Pavlicek)
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
German Defence MInister Pistorius launches Asia Tour to bolster defence partnerships
Sun, Mar 22 2026
Woman dies mid-air on London-bound British Airways flight; body stored in galley for 13-hours
Sun, Mar 22 2026
Iran’s 4,000 km Diego Garcia missile attempt triggers alarm over undeclared long-range capabilities
Sat, Mar 21 2026
Iranian missile debris falls near Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on Eid
Sat, Mar 21 2026
US sanctions global financial network supporting Hezbollah
Sat, Mar 21 2026
Horror at South Korean plant: Fire leaves 10 dead, 59 injured
Sat, Mar 21 2026