The extensive archives of Adi Roche and Chernobyl Children International have been donated to University College Cork (UCC).

The five-decade archives are a collection of materials charting the activism and advocacy of humanitarian and activist Adi Roche, as well as her work with the Chernobyl Children International (CCI) charity.

Ms Roche founded Chernobyl Children International in 1991, providing humanitarian aid to the children of Ukraine, Belarus and western Russia who were affected by the devastating Chernobyl disaster of 1986.

Among the archives are artefacts of radiation maps showing the spread of radioactive materials following the Chernobyl disaster, pamphlets from the Irish Anti-Nuclear and Peace movements, and a “Chernobyl Liquidator medal” gifted to Ms Roche by Valeriy Zaytsyev, a former Soviet officer.

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

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 safe-keeping and posterity.

“This archive will act as a true testimony to the victims and survivors of Chernobyl ensuring that they will never be forgotten.”

UCC president Professor John O’Halloran described Ms Roche as a “trailblazing humanitarian, a driving force for peace, hope and courage and a true inspiration to all”.