Secretary General António Guterres issued a statement praising the “eloquent demonstration” the convention represents, as a successful example of multilateralism and the security it can provide.
We cannot allow the erosion of this essential pillar of the regime of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, he said. “There can be no justification for their use”.
‘Disgusting weapon’
The head of the United Nations reminded that the use of chemical weapons is a serious violation of international law.
“It is imperative that those responsible for the use of these heinous weapons be identified and held accountable, for the benefit of the victims and to prevent any future chemical warfare.” .
In it declarethe Security Council emphasizes a commitment never to use them “anywhere, at any time”, or under “any circumstances”.
Council members also reiterated their call for the “complete destruction of abandoned chemical and chemical weapons stockpiles”, in line with what is officially known as Convention on the Prohibition of Development, Production, Stockpiling, and Use of Chemical Weapons and Their Destruction (CWC), which effective on April 29, 1997.
Furthermore, they condemn the indiscriminate, inhuman use of these weapons in conflicts such as the Syrian civil war, over the past quarter century.
For the sake of mankind
The Council emphasized that “Under no circumstances” should anyone develop, manufacture, acquire, stockpile or retain chemical weapons.
No person may transfer, directly or indirectly, chemical weapons; engage in any military preparation for the use of chemical weapons; or assist, “encourage or induce, in any way, anyone to engage in any activity prohibited by a State Party under the Convention.”
They reaffirmed that “the development, production and use of chemical weapons, prohibited by the Convention, remains a clear threat to international peace and security”.
Recognizing OPCW
The ambassadors also urged all States that have not already done so, to become parties to the CWC “immediately”.
The statement ended with them acknowledging the important role of Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) – the body responsible for ensuring “the objective, independent and professional implementation of all the provisions of the Convention.”
Wrong compliance
Meanwhile, at a high-level event in the Security Council? On its 25th anniversary, the High Representative for Disarmament said that the standard against chemical weapons has been challenged repeatedly and fundamentally.
Based on Izumi Nakamitsu, this is motivated by the lack of strict compliance by some, the deteriorating international security environment, the proliferation of dangerous non-State actors, and the development of science and technology. technology.
“BILLIONThe international community must work together to build standards against the use of chemical weapons, hold accountable anyone who wants to use them, and restore the global regime.,” she speaks.
Challenging Syria
The UN’s head of disarmament noted that toxic chemicals have been used with impunity as weapons in Syria, describing it as an immediate challenge. CWC face.
Gaps, contradictions, and differences in Syria’s initial and subsequent claims to OPCW must be resolved,” she said, adding that the government of the war-torn and divided country, after more than a decade of fighting, must also allow “immediate and unchecked access to OPCW.” “.
Without Syria’s cooperation, the international community cannot believe that the country is living up to its commitments.
Addressing ‘serious violations’
Ms. Nakamitsu said that if we don’t identify both the perpetrators of chemical weapons attacks and hold them accountable, “we will further damage the standard against the use of weapons.” chemistry”.
“Such profound violations of international law cannot continue to go unresolved and unresolved.”
Highlighting the growing challenges they pose, the senior UN official called for even stronger cooperation to “restore the taboo against chemical weapons “and finally put them” in the pages of history”.
© UNICEF / Ninja Charbonneau
Chemical weapons are believed to have been used in the city of Aleppo, Syria.
