Seven questions the Japanese government must answer on its decision to discharge nuclear wastewater into sea (7)

Will the Japanese government voluntarily accept the substantive participation, verification and supervision of the international community?

The disposal of the contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant has an impact on the world’s ecology as well as the environmental safety and health of peoples in all countries. It is not a domestic matter for Japan's disposal alone, but a major nuclear incident that has the potential to generate a major environmental hazard beyond international borders. This matter cannot be unilaterally decided by Japan, and ought not to become an underhanded maneuver on the part of one country. The matter should instead be handled with the principle of openness and transparency and the participation of the international community, especially the extensive and full participation of Japan's neighboring countries, while being subjected to science-based assessments under the framework of relevant international organizations.

The IAEA is working to set up a technical working group, with members comprised of stakeholders including China and South Korea. Japan should voluntarily accept the substantive participation, verification and supervision of the international community, and provide assurances that the disposal issue will be duly handled with full transparency.