Kazakhstan proposes international fund for nuclear test victims

Kazakhstan and Kiribati have proposed establishing an international trust fund to support people and countries affected by nuclear testing. The initiative was presented at an international meeting at UN headquarters in New York, Kazakhstan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations said.

The meeting, co-chaired by Kazakhstan and Kiribati, was held to mark the International Day against Nuclear Tests. Participants discussed assistance for victims, the rehabilitation of contaminated areas and international cooperation.

Arsen Omarov, Director of the Department of International Security at Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, outlined the country’s experience in addressing the consequences of nuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. He highlighted medical and social support for affected communities, research into the consequences of nuclear testing, radiation monitoring and the rehabilitation of contaminated areas.

Kazakhstan and Kiribati also presented their proposal for an international trust fund. The fund is intended to help mobilise financial, technical and scientific support for affected countries and communities.

Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Kairat Umarov, stressed that affected people and communities should remain at the centre of international efforts.

Kazakh artist and anti-nuclear activist Karipbek Kuyukov spoke about the consequences of nuclear testing at the Semipalatinsk site and the role of the international Nevada-Semipalatinsk anti-nuclear movement. Participants were also shown a short film about his life and activism.

Following the meeting, Kazakhstan and Kiribati will compile the proposals and recommendations for further implementation within the mandate of the UN General Assembly.