Оvercoming the Consequences of the Chernobyl Disaster
The Republic of Belarus consistently draws attention of the international community to the most pressing issues related to the Chernobyl Disaster, including rehabilitation of contaminated territories, revival of economy and ensuring safe living conditions for people.
The “Chernobyl” tapestry by a distinguished Belarusian artist Alyaksandr Kishchanka was gifted in 1991 to the United Nations in New York, five years after the cataclysmic nuclear explosion in Ukraine, which also heavily affected Belarus
The United Nations General Assembly adopts Chernobyl-related resolutions every three years. They are an important instrument for the strengthening of the relevant intergovernmental cooperation and give necessary mandate to the organizations of the UN system to implement international Chernobyl-related programmes and projects.
On 8 December 2016 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution 71/125 “Persistent legacy of the Chernobyl disaster” designating 26 April as International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day.
The overcoming of long-term consequences of the largest man-made catastrophe of the 20th century requires advanced technologies, scientific and financial resources of the whole international community. The Republic of Belarus actively interacts with foreign partners – governmental and non-governmental organizations, agencies, funds, companies and citizens of foreign countries on minimization of consequences of the Chernobyl Disaster.
In 1991-2015, the Republic of Belarus received an international technical support from intergovernmental organizations which amounts up to US$ 85 million. Donor countries and foreign non-governmental organizations provided charitable assistance which makes total US$ 400 million.
The United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Chernobyl under the coordination of the UNDP significantly contributed to enhancement of the international Chernobyl cooperation.
In 2015-2020, through UNDP’s technical assistance projects in the Chernobyl-affected districts more than 25 initiatives with a total budget of more than US$ 4 million were implemented in such areas as sustainable urban infrastructure and energy efficiency, environmental protection, education, health care and active ageing, tourism and local entrepreneurship, waste management and sustainable agriculture.
In 2021, UNDP, together with the National SDG Coordinator, launched the Chernobyl Investment Platform, aimed at developing Chernobyl regions through socio-economic solutions, investment in cost-effective projects and new technologies.
