Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan December 15, 2012

The “Mayors for a Nuclear Power Free Japan” network (henceforth referred to as “Mayors Network”) comprises of municipal leaders from around Japan, founded upon the principle of abolishing nuclear power plants in order to protect the lives and assets of the local citizens. There are currently 80 members active in this network (including both current and prior municipal leaders).

Between December 15-17 2012, the Japanese Government and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are jointly holding the “The Fukushima Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Safety” in the city of Koriyama in Fukushima Prefecture” (henceforth referred to as “Ministerial Conference”). The Mayors Network organised a symposium also in Koriyama, inviting experts from both within Japan and internationally to discuss the concerns and challenges around the Ministerial Conference, policies to support Fukushima, and how to utilise the potential of renewable energy including the creation of employment as part of the realisation of a more decentralised society.

Based upon the discussion, the Mayors Network calls upon the Japanese Government, the IAEA, and the various national delegations participating in the conference as follows:

1. The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant facilities must be stabilised as soon as possible, and all efforts must be made to prevent any further diffusion of radioactive materials. Full verification of the risks of earthquakes and tsunamis must be thoroughly conducted. Furthermore, a call should be made for more international support.

2. Activities related to radiation including health management and decontamination should be conducted whilst giving the utmost priority to protecting the lives, health and rights of the citizens, and taking caution while ensuring transparency and accountability. The risks of exposure to low dose radiation must not be underestimated.

3. The Japanese Government must urgently make clear its policy based upon the “Act on the Protection and Support for the Children and other Victims of TEPCO Disaster.” To this end, the opinions of people of Fukushima and those from throughout Japan affected by the disaster should be paid attention to, and their demands reflected, to ensure policy based on the actual reality of those affected.