UNMIK/PR/467
As the lead organization dealing with all public health aspects relating to depleted uranium in Kosovo, UNMIK has taken several measures in order to protect the civilian population against any possible ill effects from the ammunition used by NATO during the 1999 airstrikes.
UNMIK has begun posting signs at known sites which were targeted by shells containing depleted uranium. UNMIK and KFOR are working together to identify all possible sites.
The signs being posted are captioned: “Caution—Area May Contain Residual Heavy Metal Toxicity—Entry Not Advised.”
In response to a request by SRSG Bernard Kouchner, the UN World Health Organization is sending three specialists to Kosovo—a toxicologist, an authority on radiation and an environment expert—to assess the possible consequences of depleted uranium exposure.
The Kosovo WHO office has seconded a staff member to UNMIK to coordinate the establishment of a voluntary testing program for Kosovars at Pristina Hospital and to liaise with all national and international bodies with a direct interest in the depleted uranium issue.
Upon the request of the Interim Administrative Council, a committee of experts from all Kosovo communities is being established, which will include medical specialists in cancer, heavy metal poisoning and radiation. UNMIK will form and coordinate the committee which will include a representative of the UNMIK Department of Health.
Dr. Kouchner has also initiated a search for organizations which could advise or assist in formulating longer-term initiatives regarding depleted uranium.
A public information campaign is being developed to inform the people of Kosovo and the international community in Kosovo on all that is known about depleted uranium and illnesses which may possibly be linked to it.