Press-release on the occasion of the 32nd Anniversary and the International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day
26.04.2018 г.On April 26, 1986 world was shaken by a terrible tragedy – an explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in northern Ukraine (then part of the USSR). This accident has become the worst nuclear catastrophe in human history. The explosion caused release of large quantities of radioactive materials into the atmosphere that spread over the western USSR and Europe. This radioactive contamination affected the lives of millions of people, and its consequences are still present.
The legacy of Chernobyl is of particular significance for Belarus. The catastrophe affected large territory, resulted in relocation of people and disruption of normal life for hundreds of thousands of Belarusians. Overcoming the long-term consequences of Chernobyl requires tremendous national efforts and new partnerships for encouragement of a sustainable development in affected regions, attraction of innovations and investments.
In 2016 United Nations General Assembly in its resolution recognizes the persistent legacy of the Chernobyl disaster and empowers the United Nations system to undertake meaningful steps aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the Chernobyl-affected regions and communities. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed April 26 as International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day.
