Tsjernobyl-Conferentie komt tot vijf basisverplichtingen van autoriteiten jegens hun burgers (en)
Strasbourg, 03.03.2006 – At the end of the International Conference “Chernobyl 20 years after” organised on 2 and 3 March 2006 in Slavutych (Ukraine), by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe in co-operation with the City of Slavutych and the Foundation for Local Self-Government of Ukraine, participants adopted the “Slavutych Appeal” which solemnly reaffirms five basic principles to guide public authorities in nuclear safety matters.
This appeal should both inspire the work of the Congress, and if it agrees, be the subject of a Recommendation to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
The “Slavutych principles”:
-
1.The central role of governments
Global management of nuclear safety on a world scale can only be envisioned on the basis of control by government players in liaison with the international community. Only governments can raise the necessary resources for education and scientific research, which are essential and are the first step in a long-term preventive policy.
-
2.The crucial role of local and regional authorities
Local and regional authorities have a decisive part to play, in partnership with central government, involving the citizens and protecting communities.
-
3.Neighbourhood solidarity
Nuclear safety cannot be confined to one country's political and administrative boundaries. It requires effective neighbourhood solidarity and transfrontier co-operation, to ensure that each area concerned, irrespective of the country to which it is attached, is a player on an equal footing with all the others.
-
4.Transparency and information
There must be comprehensive and permanent access to information.
-
5.Involvement and consultation of the citizens
The populations directly concerned must be involved and consulted under procedures specific to each country, including all forms of direct consultation.
Besides asserting the “Slavutych principles”, the Conference launched “The European Forum for Local and Regional Disaster Management”.
The participants paid tribute to the international community, the Ukrainian Government and the Ukrainian local and regional authorities, which have been coping with the tragic consequences of the Chernobyl disaster for 20 years.
Council of Europe Press Division
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 25 60
Fax:+33 (0)3 88 41 39 11