Belarusian children from the still highly radioactive Chernobyl area will be able to travel to the Netherlands without restriction, now that Belarus has removed the last remaining obstacles.

---

Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen is delighted. ‘I am glad that all the children, without exception, will now be able to come. This has required lengthy negotiations. I wish the children, and the Dutch host families who are doing such a fantastic job, a great holiday.’

Dutch charities have for some years been bringing sick and healthy children from the Chernobyl area to the Netherlands for holidays with Dutch families.

In 2008 Belarus refused permission for the children to travel to the Netherlands. The government was concerned that, under existing arrangements, there was no guarantee that they would return to their parents at the end of the holiday. As a result of international pressure the ban was temporarily lifted for New Year 2008/2009.

The Netherlands and the Belarusian authorities continued to search for a lasting solution. In April 2009 the two countries reached an agreement under which Belarusian children were once more permitted to travel to the Netherlands. However, until the restrictions were lifted, only children aged 13 and under were allowed to come, and for no more than three visits.