Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant

Dr Billy in a statement said Japan is being very irresponsible in dumping partially treated nuclear waste in the Pacific.

“We are reminded of the events of 1946 and 1958, the United States detonated 67 nuclear bombs on, in and above the Marshall Islands — vaporizing whole islands, carving craters into its shallow lagoons and exiling hundreds of people from their homes; many have eventually died of cancer, especially thyroid cancer.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida gave the final go-ahead at a meeting of Cabinet ministers involved in the plan and instructed the operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, to be ready to start the coastal release Thursday if weather and sea conditions permit.

The water release begins nearly 12 and half years after the March 2011 nuclear meltdowns caused by a massive earthquake and tsunami.

Kishida said at the meeting that the release of the water is essential for the progress of the plant decommissioning and Fukushima's recovery.

He called on the Government to take the lead and reject the Japanese offer outright.

Mr Lelang said the Pacific was not new to nuclear testing having experienced that in the 1950s and 60s and the effects of that on our people in these countries due to radiation is well documented.

He added that the hazardous impact of nuclear waste in terms of radioactive materials can last thousands of years.

The Government of Japan committed to ongoing dialogue with Forum Members as a priority follow up to the PALM9 Summit in July. This followed Japan’s announcement in April of plans to begin discharge in 2023, for a period of up to 40 years. The announcement drew strong global response, including from the Forum Chair and Leaders.

In his opening comments at the third briefing on Tuesday afternoon, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Henry Puna noted the issues require “open and frank consultation” along with sustained dialogue at the political and technical level.