OSCE supports radiation safety initiatives in Tajikistan
From August 2-6, 2023, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe (Office) organized a three-day national forum “Stakeholders engagement for uranium legacy sites remediation in Tajikistan” in Guliston, Sughd region. The event brought together representatives from local and international partners, public organizations, the media, and technical working groups on radiation safety from the target areas of the region.
The forum provided a platform for participants to share experiences and information on the implementation of local radiation safety action plans. It also served as an opportunity to sum up the results of the working groups’ activities on radiation safety of target areas in Sughd region.
Rati Japaridze, OSCE Officer-in-Charge highlighted the Office’s longstanding commitment to chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear safety in Tajikistan. He said: “Radioactive safety and environmental security problems can only be solved through dialogue and close cooperation among local communities, civil society and governmental authorities. We expect this important co-operation to be continued in Phase III of the “Stakeholder Engagement for Uranium Legacy Sites Remediation in Central Asia” project through collaboration with European Union.”
Ilkhom Mirsaidzoda, Director of the Agency for Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear Safety, noted that the forum was an important opportunity for stakeholders to share information and experiences on radiation safety. He also underlined the importance of the Agency’s activities to train local population on radiation safety measures in target areas of Tajikistan.
The event was organized by the Office within the framework of the joint OSCE-UNDP regional project “Stakeholder Engagement for Uranium Legacy Sites Remediation in Central Asia”, financed by the European Union. The project aims to reduce the risk of the negative impact of uranium waste on people, livelihoods, and the environment through raising awareness and supporting people-centered, gender sensitive, risk-informed solutions.