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Yesterday, civil society groups called on Pacific leaders during a recess in Vava’u to prioritize the ongoing disposal of Fukushima nuclear wastewater and the controversial issue of deep sea mining. The call came after a dialogue between civil society organizations (CSOs) and Nuku’alofa Forum leaders, where concerns about these key issues were strongly expressed.
Joy Thao of the Pacific Network for Globalization (PANG) stressed the urgency of these issues. “We hope leaders will seriously consider this after the PALM summit,” Thao said, urging leaders to reinstate the expert panel on the treatment of nuclear wastewater from Fukushima, which had been put on hold during recent discussions with Japan and Tepco. Thao noted that Pacific leaders need to hold Japan accountable, even suggesting suspending Japan as a forum dialogue partner because it continues to take actions despite regional opposition.
Tao also explained the long-term hazards of nuclear waste disposal, especially for regions such as French Polynesia and the Marshall Islands, which are still recovering from the devastating effects of nuclear testing. “If this situation continues for the next 30 years, the cumulative impact will be very serious,” he warned.
Sharon Bhagwan-Rolls of the Pacific Women Mediators Network echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of respecting the Treaty of Rarotonga, which established a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the South Pacific. She expressed alarm about the flow of nuclear waste in the Pacific and noted the health impacts of previous nuclear testing on women.
Deep sea mining was another focal point, with Tao highlighting the different positions within the region. He called for caution and greater involvement of civil society in future discussions, stressing that these issues remain a priority for civil society groups seeking a more inclusive approach in regional decision-making.
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