New York, 22 October 2025
Mr. Chair,
The Holy See would like to express its appreciation for the valuable work carried out by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). Since its establishment in 1955, UNSCEAR has played an important role in advancing our knowledge of ionizing radiation and its implications for human health and the environment. Through its rigorous research and transparent data sharing, it has furnished the international community with the scientific basis required to make informed decisions that protect the common good and safeguard the dignity of every human person.
Mr. Chair,
The effects of atomic radiation remain a matter of profound concern. The 2024 UNSCEAR report confirms that medical exposure accounts for almost 80% of global exposure to artificial sources of ionizing radiation. While medical technologies are vital for diagnosis and treatment, my Delegation emphasizes the importance of ensuring they are used responsibly and with the utmost care to minimize risks. Furthermore, UNSCEAR’s findings continue to document the long-term consequences of environmental contamination resulting from nuclear weapons testing, nuclear accidents and the inadequate management of nuclear waste. These consequences disproportionately affect women, children, indigenous peoples, and those already living in conditions of marginalization and poverty.
My Delegation welcomes UNSCEAR’s recent work examining the impact of radiation on critical biological systems, including the circulatory, neurological, and immunological systems. Its analysis of secondary cancers following radiotherapy emphasizes the need for further research to mitigate risks and guarantee that patients reap the full benefit of medical interventions without unnecessary harm. This research demonstrates the indispensable value of UNSCEAR’s work and the necessity of ongoing international support for it.
Mr. Chair,
The Holy See is particularly concerned about the risks posed by nuclear facilities in zones of conflict. The ongoing hostilities around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant serve as a stark reminder of the grave dangers that arise when civilian nuclear infrastructure becomes entangled in war. The International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly warned of the catastrophic consequences of a radiation leak from this facility, which would affect not only the Ukrainian population, but also neighboring countries and the global environment. Urgent preventive measures must be taken to guarantee the safety of civilians and protect creation.
For these reasons, the Holy See continues to urge States to strengthen the international legal instruments designed to reduce the risk of nuclear accidents and radiation exposure. In particular, my Delegation calls on all nuclear-armed States to fulfill their obligations under Article VI of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) by engaging in good faith negotiations. Furthermore, it calls for the universal ratification and full implementation of this same Treaty, as well as of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). All these instruments embody the conviction that peace and security can never be built on the threat of mass destruction. Instead, they are based on disarmament, transparency, international cooperation, and respect for the inalienable dignity of every person.
Mr. Chair,
Addressing the effects of atomic radiation is not only a scientific or technical matter, but also a moral imperative. Protecting humanity from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, ensuring assistance for victims and caring for our wounded environment all form part of this moral responsibility. The Holy See therefore calls on the international community to intensify its efforts to prevent and mitigate the effects of radiation, in order to safeguard present and future generations.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
