Madam President,
China congratulates assumption of Ms. Mofokeng as the Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health and supports the Special Rapporteur’s efforts in assisting countries to respond to health challenges in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
China is deeply concerned about the Japanese government's decision to discharge nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant accident into the sea.
The Fukushima nuclear accident caused a large amount of radioactive material leakage, which had a profound impact on the marine environment, food safety and human health. Despite doubts and opposition from at home and abroad, Japan has unilaterally decided to release the Fukushima nuclear wastewater into the sea before exhausting all safe ways of disposal and without fully consulting with neighboring countries and the international community, which is extremely irresponsible.
We notice that a few special procedure mandate holders of the Human Rights Council have expressed their concern on this issue. We call on Japan to respond to the concerns of the international community, withdraw the wrong decision immediately, shoulder due responsibilities to reach a consensus with all stakeholders and relevant international institutions through full consultation, refrain from wantonly discharging wastewater into the sea, so as not to damage the health and human rights of the people in neighboring countries.
Thank you, Madam President.