April 26, 2024 – 38 years since the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant – an unprecedented accident in the history of nuclear energy. As a result of explosions at the 4th power unit, the reactor was completely destroyed. The accident was accompanied by fires and releases of radioactive substances. The radioactive cloud passed over the USSR, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and affected more than 20 countries. Belarus, Russia and Ukraine were hit the hardest. Pollution of the territory of Belarus amounted to 23% of the total area, Ukraine – 7%, Russia – 1.5% of the territory of its European part. About 35% of the Chernobyl fallout of cesium-137, the main radionuclide that forms the radiation dose of the population at present, occurred on the territory of the Republic of Belarus.
This April date became special not only for Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, but also for the whole world. On this day, all civilized humanity remembers Chernobyl, about those who, without sparing their lives and health, stopped the radiation disaster and prevented a big disaster.
The Chernobyl disaster became a challenge for the entire international community. At the same time, efforts to overcome the consequences of this major radiation accident have provided excellent examples of cooperation at the global level. The approach of countries to nuclear energy issues has changed, including increased safety and a more balanced attitude to technological progress. The international community has learned the lessons of Chernobyl and gained experience that will help deal with the long-term consequences of man-made disasters. On December 17, 2003, the UN General Assembly supported the decision of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS to proclaim April 26 as the International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Radiation Accidents and Disasters. It has been celebrated in the CIS member states since
2004 in accordance with the decision of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS dated September 19, 2003. On December 8, 2016, at a plenary meeting, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring April 26 as the International Day of Remembrance of the Chernobyl Disaster. This day is intended to serve as a reminder of the dangers of nuclear accidents and the need to strengthen international cooperation to mitigate the long-term consequences of the Chernobyl accident.
