ABSTRACTS / RÉSUMÉS

Abstract

The aim of the Scientific and Citizen Forum on Radioprotection is to share knowledge and experience concerning the Chernobyl and Fukushima catastrophes. The question of “standards” will be addressed through a comparison of official data with experience and with other theoretical models supported by independent scientists. Radioprotection itself will also be addressed and its field of application and limitations, defined. A radioprotection handbook produced by the Belrad Institute, Minsk (Belarus) has recently been translated into Japanese. The French version of the handbook is in preparation and will be launched at the Forum. We know, since Fukushima, that no country or citizen is free from the risk of such an accident. The Forum is organised by IndependentWHO (IW), a group of individuals and associations (founding associations: Brut de Béton Production, Contratom Genève, CRIIRAD (Commission d’Informations et de Recherches Indépendantes sur la Radiation), IPPNW (International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War), Enfants de Tchernobyl Belarus, Réseau Sortir du Nucléaire, SDN Loire et Vilaine, People’s Health Movement), supported by a broad coalition of NGOs. IW’s major concern is that the World Health Organisation, through its alliance with the IAEA, is unable to fulfil its constitutional mandate “to act as the directing and co-ordinating authority on international health work” and “to assist in developing an informed public opinion among all peoples on matters of health”. IW addresses all citizens of the world and urges international organizations to apply the principles on which they are founded.