Seven questions the Japanese government must answer on its decision to discharge nuclear wastewater into sea (5)

Why didn’t the Japanese government consult with stakeholders?

How the contaminated water is ultimately handled will have an impact on the ecology and environmental safety of the entire Asia Pacific region as well as the world at large, and is a matter that concerns the life and health of people in all countries. Naturally, Japan is obliged to engage in full consultations with all relevant stakeholders, and especially its immediate neighbors, before making any final decisions. The matter also needs to be properly assessed and discussed within the framework of the United Nations, the World Health Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Japan’s unilateral choice risks universal condemnation and is in breach of its international obligations. The country’s actions are liable to generate grave environmental health and safety risks to the world over. Japan's moves lack transparency and lack a justifiable scientific basis, and are illegal, irresponsible and immoral.