Its remembrance day is a stark reminder of nuclear perils and human resilience
Every year on April 26, the world pauses to commemorate International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day, honouring the victims of one of the gravest nuclear catastrophes in human history. It is not just a day of remembrance, but also a solemn call for vigilance — against the potential hazards of nuclear power and the far-reaching consequences when things go wrong.
On April 26, 1986, Reactor No 4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, located in what is now Ukraine, exploded during a late-night safety test gone wrong.
The blast released radioactive material across much of the western Soviet Union, affecting territories now known as Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia. Nearly 8.4 million people were exposed to high levels of radiation, with long-term effects on their health, environment, and livelihoods.
What made Chernobyl particularly harrowing was not just the scale of the disaster but also the delayed and inadequate response. The Soviet Government did not request international help until 1990, four years after the explosion, acknowledging only then the need for global cooperation in managing the fallout.
History records only two instances where nuclear explosions directly led to large-scale human casualties: the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, and the industrial disaster at Chernobyl in 1986. While the former were acts of war, Chernobyl was a stark reminder that nuclear technology, even in peaceful applications, can spiral into catastrophe without stringent oversight and safety protocols. Both events left indelible scars on humanity and taught us one crucial lesson: nuclear power is not merely a technological marvel — it is a profound responsibility.
In response to the disaster, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 45/190 in 1990, launching a global movement to mitigate the consequences of the explosion.
Over the years, more than 230 projects have been implemented in health, nuclear safety, environmental restoration, clean food production, and education. In 2002, the UN changed its approach, focusing not only on humanitarian aid but also on long-term sustainable development. Agencies such as the UNDP led regional recovery efforts in Belarus, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation.
The launch of the International Chernobyl Research and Information Network (ICRIN) in 2009 further reinforced this developmental vision. Perhaps the most symbolic milestone was the 2019 completion and handover of the New Safe Confinement, a $2.2 billion engineering marvel built to encase the damaged reactor. Funded by over 45 nations, it stands as a global symbol of what international cooperation can achieve in the name of safety.
Technological advancements have significantly improved nuclear safety since 1986. Modern reactors are equipped with passive safety systems, improved materials, and fail — safes that automatically shut down operations during emergencies. International regulatory bodies have also tightened oversight, ensuring higher standards for reactor design, operation, and waste management. Yet, the core truth remains: no system is immune to human error, natural disasters, or unforeseen technical failures.
As the world grapples with climate change and searches for clean energy alternatives, nuclear power is once again in the spotlight. While it offers low-carbon energy, it also carries high risks — making it imperative that caution, transparency, and global cooperation remain the cornerstones of nuclear development.
International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is not only about looking back; it’s about ensuring we never repeat the mistakes of the past. It’s about remembering the lives affected, the lessons learned, and the enduring message: with great power comes great responsibility — especially when that power lies in the nucleus of the atom.Let us honour this day by committing to a future where nuclear technology is wielded wisely, ethically, and with the utmost respect for life and the planet.
