Before you stands a monument. It is the IndependentWHO memorial to all victims of nuclear power. This stele stands as a testament to a decade-long vigil. It is a tribute to those affected by radioactive contamination.
IndependentWHO held this vigil outside the World Health Organization headquarters in Geneva. It began on April 26 2007. It concluded on April 26 2017. For ten years a silent protest took place. The protestors demanded that the WHO fulfill its duty. They wanted the WHO to protect populations affected by radioactive contamination.
The IndependentWHO vigil was a constant presence. It occurred every working day between 8am and 6pm. Members of the IndependentWHO collective participated. They demanded that the WHO act independently. They wanted it to act independently of the nuclear establishment. The silent demonstrators sought truth. They sought truth about the health damage caused by radioactivity. This included damage from military nuclear tests. It also included damage from Chernobyl and Fukushima.
After ten years the official denial remained. It was unchanged despite victim testimonies. It was unchanged despite independent scientific publications. IndependentWHO decided to continue its struggle in other ways. They would use what they had learned. They would pass it on to others. They considered the fight for truth and health essential.
On the final day a Mass Vigil occurred. A hundred people attended. The commemorative stele was unveiled. A copy of Wladimir Tchertkoff’s book was given to the WHO. The book was “The Crime of Chernobyl – the Nuclear Gulag”. It was for the attention of the director Margaret Chan.
IndependentWHO is a grassroots movement. It was created by associations and individuals. Their objective is for the WHO to fulfill its duty. The WHO should protect those affected by radioactive contamination. They want the WHO to revise an agreement. This agreement was signed with the International Atomic Energy Agency in 1959. The agreement makes WHO subordinate to the IAEA. The IAEA is the global promoter of the nuclear industry. This subordination applies in matters relating to ionising radiation.
The IndependentWHO vigil was only one action. They were involved in other activities. These activities put pressure on WHO. The WHO should achieve the highest possible level of health for all peoples. IndependentWHO drew up seven demands. They believed WHO should implement these urgently.
The IndependentWHO memorial is a reminder. It is a reminder of the ongoing struggle. It is a struggle for truth. It is a struggle for health. It is a struggle for the victims of nuclear power. The inscription recognizes all victims of nuclear power. This includes victims past present and future. The ten-year vigil represents a commitment. It is a commitment to justice and accountability. The IndependentWHO memorial stands as a symbol. It is a symbol of hope. It is a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity.