Published: Monday, 9th February, 2009 2:10pm

Astonished and in awe of work by Chernobyl children's charity

by Ooor Willie

Comments (0) | Print | Email

AROUND 18 months ago Carol Dean, from North Queensferry, alerted me to a complex issue regarding the recuperative holidays for the children of Chernobyl.

I had been aware of the holidays organised by charities in the UK for children following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster 20 years ago but the extent of their work left me astonished and in awe of their dedication.

Four thousand children each year are brought to the UK for up to a month for an action packed respite holiday.

They stay with thousands of families the length and breadth of the country.

Everything is paid for – the flights, food, accommodation and much more. It"s remarkable.

At the time I was keen to assist in any way I could and have been devoted ever since.

But all their work is under threat.

The Belarusian President, Alexander Lukashenko, has banned all travel until the UK, and other countries, agree to a treaty to formalise the arrangements and build in cast iron assurances.

This follows the failure of a teenage child to return to Belarus from the United States where she was on a similar holiday.

This week I met with all the charities, Home Office and Foreign Office officials to discuss a way forward in what turned out to be a very constructive engagement – previous meetings have been rather heated so it was a welcome change.

First and foremost it"s essential that an agreement with Belarus is reached before the middle of March so that planning can proceed for this summer"s holidays.

But there is a mountain to climb.

Belarus has been criticised by the US for being an "outpost of tyranny" as the President runs the country with an iron fist and is accused of fixing elections, controlling the media and imposing harsh penalties on his opponents for daring to criticise him.

His proposed treaty is unacceptable for many reasons. Firstly, it"s a treaty but this kind of issue very rarely requires a treaty – which can take years to agree because it requires Parliamentary approval.

Secondly, it contains unreasonable conditions like the children have not to be exposed to cultural activities when in the UK. Yet the whole trip is a cultural event.

Finally, it includes a cast iron commitment that all children must be returned. This is not possible as Britain has signed up to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that includes: 'Article 14. Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.'

Of course we want all children to be returned to Belarus after their holiday as that is where they belong with their families and friends but in exceptional circumstances we may need to provide asylum.

It is not surprising that there is considerable support in Belarus for these holidays. I am sure the President understands that.

I am hopeful that the UK can reach an agreement but it will require considerable effort – quickly.

Dunfermline and West Fife MP Willie Rennie.