UNITED NATIONS, Oct 22 (APP):Pakistan has underscored the "vital role" of the United Nations' principal scientific committee studying radiation effects, noting that despite its financial constraints, the panel provides critical data that helps member states develop health and environmental standards. Over the last seven decades, Pakistani delegate Ansar Shah, said the UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) has made an important contribution in promoting wider knowledge …
Pakistan commends critical work of UN radiation body amid funding constraints
UNITED NATIONS, Oct 22 (APP):Pakistan has underscored the “vital role” of the United Nations’ principal scientific committee studying radiation effects, noting that despite its financial constraints, the panel provides critical data that helps member states develop health and environmental standards.
Over the last seven decades, Pakistani delegate Ansar Shah, said the UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) has made an important contribution in promoting wider knowledge and understanding of the levels, effects, and risks of atomic emission.
Shah, a first secretary at the Pakistan Mission to the UN, was speaking in a debate on the work of the Committee in the General Assembly’s Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) on Wednesday.
Commending the dedicated efforts of the Committee, he said it has also provided a solid scientific foundation for member states to formulate international standards for protection against ionizing radiation.
In this regard, the Pakistani delegate urged adequate, predictable and sustainable funding to strengthen the Committee’ work, emphasizing its scientific independence, mandate and contribution to global radiation safety.
“At our end,” Ansar Shah said, “we have put in place comprehensive regulatory measures to safeguard against the risks of ionizing radiation, in line with the safety principles and standards developed by the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency).”
The Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), he added, routinely monitors radiation exposure for medical staff and patients in cancer treatment facilities, and also evaluates potential exposure of the public living near nuclear installations, with the data collected systematically archived for analysis.
Pakistan, he said, believes that to reinforce public acceptance of nuclear technology, global efforts must highlight the beneficial aspects of atomic radiation.
Equally important was to underscore the contributions of atomic radiation to socio-economic progress and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including in health, agriculture, industry, and environmental protection, the Pakistani delegate stressed.
Briefing the Fourth Committee, Sarah Baatout, Chair of the Scientific Committee, updated delegates about its work. “Our task is not to prescribe policy or set safety standards”, she said, adding that it evaluates evidence objectively, examining the medical, health and environmental consequences of atomic radiation.
The Scientific Committee currently brings together experts nominated by 31 Member States. Regarding the draft resolution’s request of a list of Member States that have expressed interest in joining the Scientific Committee, Ms. Baatout said: “This is not a decision to enlarge membership today. It is an opportunity for the Assembly to consider future participation through the agreed procedure.”
Turning to the programme of work, she noted the adoption of two substantive assessments, one on epidemiological studies of ionizing radiation and cancer, and another on effects on the circulatory system. However, severe staffing and resource constraints, compounded by operational disruptions, have delayed scientific work and led to the postponement of the Committee’s seventy-third session until 2027, she added.
