Japan must act urgently to protect tens of thousands of workers who are reportedly being exploited and exposed to toxic nuclear radiation in efforts to clean up the damaged Fukushima Daichi Nuclear Power Station, say three UN human rights experts. “Workers hired to decontaminate Fukushima reportedly include migrant workers, asylum seekers and people who are homeless,” said the experts.
UN Human Rights 16th Aug 2018 read more »
Three United Nations human rights experts have criticized the Japanese government for allegedly exploiting and putting at risk the lives of “tens of thousands” of people engaged in cleanup operations at and around the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant. In a joint statement released on Thursday, the experts expressed their deep concerns “about possible exploitation by deception regarding the risks of exposure to radiation, possible coercion into accepting hazardous working conditions because of economic hardships, and the adequacy of training and protective measures.”
Japan Times 17th Aug 2018 read more »
Japan on Friday described as “extremely regrettable” a call by U.N. human rights experts for greater protection of workers cleaning up its damaged Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, and said it had notified U.N. officials of its reaction. Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings (TEPCO), the utility that owns the plant hit by a tsunami in 2011 that set off meltdowns, has been widely criticized for its treatment of workers and its handling of the cleanup, which is expected to take decades. In a statement on Thursday, the U.N. experts urged Japan to act urgently to protect tens of thousands of the workers from reported exploitation and radiation exposure, citing fears over possible coercion and adequate training and protective steps.
Asahi Shimbun 17th Aug 2018 read more »
