HRN gave an oral statement on Fukushima at the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva for the Interactive Dialog with the Special Rapporteur on hazardous substances and wastes on 15 September 2025. A video of the statement is below, followed by a transcription of the statement.
Transcription:
14 years after the Fukushima nuclear disaster, the victims still suffer on-going human rights violations, and even now there are still 27,000 IDPs.
In 2023, the release of ALPS-treated contaminated water into the ocean began, with 94,000 cubic meters dumped so far. Viable alternative methods have been ignored. We appreciate that Mr. Orellana is concerned about the risks this is causing, and that six Special Rapporteurs sent a joint communication on the issue in May.
The government is also planning to spread more than 10 million cubic meters of radioactive soil from interim storage in Fukushima to sites all over Japan, including Tokyo, instead of a long-term storage solution. This process risks internal exposure to both workers and nearby residents.
Last month, a Ministry of the Environment panel discussion on the plan was a one-sided publicity stunt that didn’t accept any questions or opinions from participants.
We urge the government to stop plans to spread radiation, to implement the recommendations from special procedures, and to listen to the victims.
Thank you.