Chernobyl archives donated to UCC

THE archives of Adi Roche and Chernobyl Children International (CCI), spanning over five decades, have been donated to University College Cork (UCC).

The archives contain an extensive collection of materials, charting the activism and advocacy of Adi Roche, as well as her groundbreaking work with the CCI charity.

A humanitarian, activist, and campaigner for nuclear disarmament, Adi Roche founded CC1 in 1991, providing humanitarian aid to the affected children of Ukraine, Belarus, and western Russia.

The charity saved the lives of generations of children affected by the devastating impact of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.

Among the archives are artefacts, photographs, film, and correspondence from the inner workings of an organisation, that developed from a grass-roots movement to an international United Nations-recognised NGO.

The archives include Ms Roche’s personal collection of records of her work with CCI and historic items from her time as an activist with the Irish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).

Artefacts include radiation maps, showing the spread of radioactive materials following the Chernobyl disaster, pamphlets from the Irish Anti-Nuclear and Peace movements, and the “Chernobyl Liquidator medal”, gifted to Ms Roche by Valeriy Zaytsyev.

CCI is the sole organisation working in the Chernobyl area to be honoured with UN official NGO status, and included in the collection is a poignant multi-media exhibition that the charity hosted at the United Nations in New York.

It features photographs from acclaimed Magnum photographer, Paul Fusco, which brought worldwide attention to the cross-generational impact of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.

Speaking on her hopes for the archive at UCC, Ms Roche said: “Our wish is that it acts not just as a source of information on how ‘mass movements’ and ordinary people can make a change in our society, but also it will provide solid research material for future students.

“The archive spans many decades, from the height of the Cold War, right to the present day.

“It is important that we preserve this history, this legacy of social justice activism, for safekeeping and posterity.

“This archive is not just about ‘book learning’, but is about a different set of learning, embracing all the senses, some of which is tactile, experiential, visual, and ‘hands on’,” she added.

UCC president Prof John O’Halloran said: “Adi Roche is a trailblazing humanitarian, a driving force for peace, hope, and courage, and a true inspiration to all.

“Despite facing almost insurmountable obstacles, Adi has ensured that the people of Ireland have never forgotten the children of Chernobyl.

“In this time of terrible war, this archive calls on us all to renew our commitment to innocent victims, to stand up, give witness, and protect current and future generations in the Chernobyl regions,” Prof O’Halloran said.