Social aspects of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant decommissioning process

The paper highlights certain social aspects of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant decommissioning process. It describes the process of eliminating the consequences of the accident - a process that was carried out on an 'ad hoc' basis without the support of an adequate financial reserve. The implementation of national legal requirements and the result of the introduction of social oriented state programmes are described. The paper covers the problems which resulted from the termination of operations at the plant and underlines the role of the international community and the public in preserving the specific knowledge and gained experience. (author)