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Reaffirming the important work of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) today approved without a vote a resolution concerning that body, as speakers underscored the imperative of concerted and apolitical scientific work on this matter while also considering how to improve their working methods. 

By the terms of the draft resolution titled “Effects of atomic radiation” (document A/C.4/79/L.5), the Assembly would commend the Scientific Committee for the valuable contribution that it has been making since its inception to wider knowledge and understanding of the levels, effects and risks of exposure to ionizing radiation and for fulfilling its original mandate with scientific authority and independence of judgment. By other terms, it would express strong expectations that, despite liquidity challenges faced by the United Nations, the regular budget of the Scientific Committee will be allocated in full. 

Introducing that text, the representative of Belgium highlighted the Scientific Committee’s “apolitical and technical nature” as “a global public good that helps shape informed policymaking”.  Since its establishment in 1955, the Committee has addressed significant events such as the Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents, medical radiation, occupational exposure, and broader environmental radiation concerns.  Noting that the resolution emphasizes the need for sufficient funding, she also drew attention to the experience and qualifications of Belgian scientist Dr. Sarah Baatout who chairs the Committee.  “Her career spans decades of groundbreaking research and leadership within both national and international settings,” she added.

The Fourth Committee also heard from Dr. Baatout today as she introduced the Scientific Committee’s report (document A/79/46).  Noting that over its 68-year history, the Scientific Committee has published 113 scientific annexes and five white papers, she said it works closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and World Health Organization (WHO) to develop safety standards and offer guidance to ensure radiation safety across various sectors, from medicine to industry.  In its 2024 session held in Vienna, it approved two important reports on the evaluation of second primary cancer after radiation and of public exposure to ionizing radiation.  It also identified priorities for its future programme of work in 2025-2029.

Source from: https://press.un.org/en/2024/gaspd811.doc.htm