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The Pacific Collective on Nuclear Issues, composed of civil society groups, non-governmental organisations, and movements in the Pacific, remains resolute in its position, denouncing the dumping of radioactive wastewater from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. This ongoing dumping operation, about which we Pacific people were neither consulted on nor consented to.
Therefore, while the Collective commends Pacific Leaders for managing to keep the Fukushima radioactive wastewater dumping as a standing agenda item of the PALM process requiring further dialogue, we deplore Japan’s actions as a blatant contradiction to the true spirit of kizuna (bonds) between Japan and Pacific Island Countries.
The 10th Pacific Alliance Leaders Meeting (PALM10) summit with the Government of Japan concluded on Thursday 18th July with a joint declaration reaffirming Japan’s commitment to a common vision of ‘striving forward together’ on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and Japan’s Pacific Bond Policy of ‘kizuno’, which Prime Minister Kishida has used to define our relationship as “mutually indispensable partners”.
The Declaration also highlights Japan’s commitments to the aspirations of the 2050 Strategy specifically related to protecting the health of our ocean, environment, our people and the agency of Pacific leadership in these responsibilities amongst others such as ensuring peace, and security and addressing the climate crisis.
Furthermore, Kisihda also committed to sincerity in responding to Pacific concerns about the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater dumping operation.
However, despite repeated calls from our Pacific people—including fisherfolk, youth, women’s groups, community elders, churches, and political leaders—who share an intimate and truly indispensable partnership with our Blue Pacific, Japan has continued to desecrate our home with its nuclear wastewater dumping. For us, the Blue Pacific is not just a body of water; it is our life.
Despite Japan’s claims of our kizuna, shared values, and principles developed over the 30-year history of the PALM process, they have persisted in their planned 30-year dumping of nuclear wastewater, recently concluding the 7th batch release. This is blatant insincerity, and severely undermines the trust and friendship that Japan professes to uphold.
Many fundamental questions remain unanswered regarding the efficacy of the ALPS treatment, the actual contents of the 1,000 storage tanks containing accumulated, radioactively contaminated wastewater, and most importantly, the long-term effects of the dumping operation on the health of Pacific marine ecosystems and those who depend on them.
Research Professor and Director at the Kewalo Marine Laboratory at the University of Hawaii, Manoa, Dr Robert Richmond, who was one of the expert panelists says, that the discharge, planned to continue for several decades, is irreversible, and radionuclides taken up and bioaccumulated by marine organisms cannot be removed, but rather, will be passed up the links in the food web, affecting marine life and those eating affected seafood.
Dr Richmond argues that “it is scientifically, broadly accepted that even very small doses of radiation can still cause cancer or genetic damage”. The present monitoring programme is inadequate, poorly designed, and will not serve to protect ocean and human health, but simply identify when problems occur. As the health and function of the marine ecosystems of the Pacific Ocean are already negatively affected by numerous human-induced stressors, including pollution, overfishing and the impacts of climate change, adding radionuclides further undercuts the cultural imperative of leaving a sound legacy of vital marine resources for future generations.”
“The present course of ocean discharge is both unnecessary and irresponsible, as clearly articulated by the three United Nations Rapporteurs on Human Rights. Tritium is well known to become organically bound in sediments and fish, and while considered a low-level beta emitter, has a higher relative biological effectiveness than higher energy gamma emitters. Concerns remain about other radionuclides among the 62 that have been identified in the contaminated water, including Cs-137, C-14, Sr-90, Co-60, and Ru-106,” says Dr Richmond.
“The discharge is truly a time bomb, with recent models predicting plumes resulting from the discharge to sit over key tuna fisheries areas in the central Pacific within 7-12 years. Japan can turn this catastrophe into an opportunity and set a new direction for a responsible approach to handling such disasters in the future, in support of the health of the people of Japan, the Pacific and the world. True leadership would not shirk from such an unprecedented and critical opportunity,” stressed Richmond.
In support of Pacific groups, Shigeru Tanaka of the Tokyo-based Pacific Asia Resource Center remarked that although Japan may claim that the water is “treated” and therefore safe, it is not a shared understanding. The Pacific Island states rightfully and legitimately organised a set of scientific scholars whom they entrusted to conduct an independent study, and they reached a conclusion different from those attained by the Japanese side. The people have also spoken out that they are not convinced with the assurances provided by Japan. Trust and Kizuna cannot be fostered with a one-sided imposition of scientific claims. Japan must immediately stop the release of any radioactive water from Fukushima Daiichi, and sincerely address the concerns of the Pacific People and act with respect before claiming any Kizuna between our people.
While the Collective acknowledges the stance of the International Atomic Energy Agency supporting Japan’s actions, it also highlights the fact that the Agency has no formal responsibility nor liability for subsequent harms resulting from the dumping.
Given the Pacific’s nuclear-free-zone legacy, that not only do our people in the 18 Pacific Islands Forum members depend on the health of the ocean, but that it is a precious and shared commons now and for all future generations, and the fact that it is already under immense strain from the climate crisis, pollution and overfishing, we implore our leaders to call for a higher standard; one that is scientifically robust but would meet the whole range of desired ecological, health, political, economic, security, cultural and spiritual aspirations we Pacific peoples have of our ocean and embedded in the 2050 Strategy
In a submission to the UN Office of the High Commission for Human Rights through the Special Procedures mechanism, 56 civil society organisations, movements, alliances and networks from around the Pacific and beyond highlighted concerns about the human rights implications of the Fukushima dumping operation.
The Collective affirms that Japan’s actions violate and/or Pacific peoples’ rights to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment; the right of Pacific children and future generations to a clean environment; access to information and public participation, including in environmental matters and the consultation and Free, Prior Informed Consent for Indigenous Peoples; and among others the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
“Amid the many threats facing our Blue Pacific, the Collective stands united in urging Pacific Leaders to stand firm against Japan’s nuclear wastewater dumping to protect and preserve our bond with the ocean, for future generations. If Japan refuses to respect the Pacific’s stance, we call once again for the suspension of their forum dialogue partner status until our concerns are addressed. Pacific people demand New Clear Ways, not nuclear wastewater dumping” said Lesuma.
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For more information:
Epeli Lesuma
Nuclear Justice Campaigner
Email: epeli.lesuma@pang.org.fj
Phone: (+679) 3316722