UN to assess Marshall Islands nuclear effects

PHOTO

Majuro in the Marshall Islands. A UN expert is to visit the Marshall Islands. [Stefan Lins: flickr]

Last Updated: Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:45:00 +1100

A United Nations expert will visit the Marshall Islands next week to assess adverse effects of the nuclear testing undertaken by the United States between 1946 and 1958.

''It will be an exceptional opportunity to assess how the Marshallese peoples' basic rights including the right to food, adequate housing and health have been affected,'' Calin Georgescu, special rapporteur on the human rights obligations related to environmental issues, said in a press release.

Mr Georgescu is to present the conclusions of his March 26-30 visit to the UN Human Rights Council in September, possibly including recommendations to the governments of the Marshall Islands and the United States.