Debate with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

07-04-2021 - 13:29
SEDE meeting 15 April 2021
SEDE meeting 15 April 2021 © Adobe Stock

On 15 April, SEDE Members will welcome for the first time the Director General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Fernando Arias. Since its creation, the OPCW has been instrumental in the verified destruction of 90% of the world's declared stockpile of chemical agents. However, in the past decade, the norm against the use of chemical weapons has started showing signs of erosion and the threat posed by chemical warfare is considered as one of the most pressing global security threats. Members will therefore discuss with the Ambassador Arias possible ways to contain the spread and use of chemical weapons inside and outside of the military domain, and to bring the counties violating the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention, back to full compliance.