USA EVENTS: CHORNOBYL 20 th ANNIVERSARY APRIL 2006

Contacts/Chornobyl Challenge '06
Michael Sawkiw, 202-547-0018
Kathy Ryan, 202-342-7667

Twenty years ago this April, a radioactive cloud spread over Ukraine, Belarus, Russia and parts of Western Europe following an explosion at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant. Today, social, economic, and health issues affect the lives of millions, and political and social policy questions linger. This is a summary of major events taking place in the United States.

I. CONGRESSIONAL EVENTS

Event: OPENING: CHERNOBYL :: 20 PHOTO EXHIBIT
Date & Time: April 26, 2006, 10 am
Location: Rayburn Foyer, Rayburn Building, Washington DC
Contact: Elizabeth Ferranti, 202-225-4146
Description: Members of the Ukrainian Caucus will open the exhibit in a 30-minute ceremony at
10 am. Congress members, media, NGOs, diplomatic community and public invited.

Event : CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING ON CHORNOBYL
Date & Time: April 27, 2006, 2 pm – 6 pm
Location: Room HC-6, US Capitol
Contact: Elizabeth Ferranti, 202-225-4146
Description: Briefing to feature expert testimony on Chornobyl issues radiation and health, agriculture and food, environment, economics, US assistance, and the containment of the Chornobyl nuclear reactor.


II. COMMEMORATION   SYMPOSIA

Event: COMMEMORATION OF THE CHERNOBYL DISASTER: THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE, New York City
Date & Time: April 25, 2006, 8:30 am – 4 pm
Location: Harriman Institute Columbia University, New York
Contact: Diana Howansky, 212-854-4697
Description: Experts will examine the Chernobyl disaster from historic, medical, social, environmental and human perspectives.

Event: COMMEMORATION OF THE CHERNOBYL DISASTER: THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE, Washington DC
Date & Time: April 26, 2006, 8:30 am – 7:30 pm
Location: Kennen Institute, Woodrow Wilson Center for Scholars, Washington DC
Contact: Renata Kosc-Harmatiy, 202-691-4000
Description: Experts will examine the Chernobyl disaster from historic, medical, social, environmental and human perspectives.


III. UNITED NATIONS

Event: OPENING: CHERNOBYL :: 20 PHOTO EXHIBIT
Date and Time: April 28, 2006
Location: United Nations Visitors Center, New York
Contact: Irina Kouropatkina, 202-277-7379
Description: A selection of the world's top photographers illuminates the human stories behind the Chernobyl catastrophe, emphasizing hope, dignity and survival. Announcement of the Chernobyl :: 20 Music CD, which will benefit Chernobyl Children's Project International and the Children of Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund.

Event: SPECIAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Date & Time: April 28, 2006, 10 am - noon
Location: United Nations General Assembly, United Nations, New York
Contact: Louisa Vinton, 212-906-6525
Description: Special commemorative session of the United Nations General Assembly to mark the 20th anniversary of Chernobyl.


IV. CULTURAL

CHERNOBYL :: 20: PHOTO EXHIBTION AND MUSICAL CD
In exhibitions at the United Nations and US Congress, a selection of the world's top photographers illuminates the human stories behind the Chernobyl catastrophe – emphasizing hope, dignity and survival.   A companion CHERNOBYL::20 music CD will feature tracks by major international recording artists, and will raise funds for humanitarian organizations working in Chornobyl-affected regions. www.c-20.org
Contact: Irina Kouropatkina, 202-277-7379


V. HUMANITARIAN

Event: $3MM Humanitarian Aid Convoy, Chernobyl Children's Project International
Dates: April 8 – 14, 2006
Location: Overland convoy through 9 countries arriving in Minsk, Belarus
Contact: Kathy Ryan, 202-342-7667
Description: An all-volunteer overland convoy will travel 3000 miles through 9 countries to deliver $3MM in humanitarian aid to the neediest communities in Belarus and western Russia. Fifteen artic trucks and 27 ambulances filled with food, clothing, and medical supplies delivered by Chernobyl Children's Project International. The organization has delivered over $70MM in aid via overland convoy, and conducts medical and community development programs in Chernobyl affected regions.

Event: Humanitarian Aid Airlift Press Conference, Children of Chornobyl Relief and Development Fund
Date: April 5, 2006, 2 pm
Location: Panalpina Warehouse, Sterling VA
Contact: Alexa Milanytch, 973-376-5140
Description: Press Conference announcing the CCRDF 20 th Anniversary Commemorative Airlift, to bring vital medicine and state of the art equipment to the children of Ukraine.