The OPCW report highlights the organization’s responses to the threat posed by chemical weapons, with particular focus on recent developments in Syria. The States Parties to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) held a meeting to discuss progress on the implementation of Resolution C-SS-4/DEC.3 (dated 27 June 2018), which addresses the ongoing threat of chemical weapons use.
The report also covers the 107th session (EC-107/DG.21) of the Executive Council, held from 8 to 11 October 2024. During this session, a resolution titled “Addressing the Threat Posed by the Use of Chemical Weapons” was adopted.
Regarding Syria, the report notes the Syrian government’s announcement that its chemical arsenal has been destroyed. However, it also emphasizes the need for Syria to clarify discrepancies and gaps in its initial declarations, as well as in subsequent memoranda, as required by paragraph 7 of Resolution C-SS-4/DEC.3.
The report confirms that the 28th round of consultations between the OPCW’s Declaration Assessment Team (DAT) and the Syrian National Commission took place in Damascus from 10 to 18 September 2024. Following these consultations, inspections were conducted at the Jamraya and Barzeh facilities of The Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC).
During the consultations, the ongoing issues in Syria were discussed. The DAT team shared the results of sample analyses collected from two sites in May 2024. The Syrian authorities provided additional clarifications regarding the results of samples analyzed in September 2020 and April 2023. As a result of the DAT’s work, the Syrian government submitted 20 amendments to its initial declaration, revealing additional elements of its chemical weapons program that were previously undisclosed.
The DAT has identified 26 outstanding issues, including two cases that were opened in July 2024 due to insufficient explanations from Syria about the presence of traces of chemical warfare agents in samples collected in September 2020 and April 2023.
The OPCW Secretariat stated that, at this stage, Syria’s declarations cannot be considered accurate and complete, as required by the Chemical Weapons Convention.
According to the report, the Secretariat will continue to update the States Parties on the progress of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) in Syria. These updates will include monthly reports on efforts to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons program and findings related to alleged incidents involving the use of chemicals as weapons.
In line with paragraph 12 of the Conference resolution, the OPCW’s Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) will continue its investigations and publish its findings in due course. The IIT will also preserve and review the information gathered during investigations for potential transfer to the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM), which assists in prosecuting individuals responsible for serious international crimes in Syria since March 2011.
Additionally, the IIT will contribute to the transfer of knowledge and skills to relevant units within the OPCW Secretariat and will refine its strategy for documenting all technical and scientific aspects that support its investigations.
The report outlines the voluntary funding needs for the IIT for 2024-2025, as detailed in the OPCW Program and Budget. Contributions have been received from the European Union and 19 other countries, including Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, and Slovakia.
The Secretariat will continue to brief States Parties on the status and updates related to Syria’s chemical weapons program. Pursuant to Article 12 of Resolution C-SS-4/DEC.3, appropriate measures have been taken to preserve and submit information to the IIIM, ensuring that information transfers comply with OPCW rules and confidentiality policies.
Finally, the report details a series of capacity-building initiatives for Secretariat staff, including the acquisition of software and equipment to support the organization’s activities.
assad_regime chemical_attack chemical_weapons DAT FFM IIIM IIT opcw syria
