Source of Picture: Syria Civil Defence
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons commemorated the twenty-seventh anniversary of the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention on April 29, 1997, with a publication on its platform on X. This comes at a time when Syrians are still suffering from the catastrophic and destructive effects of the Syrian regime’s repeated use of chemical weapons.
https://twitter.com/OPCW/status/1784825509064372292
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons stated that it has worked with nearly every country in the world to support the convention and ensure that chemical weapons are only used for peaceful purposes. It also noted that the year 2013 saw the complete removal of all declared chemical weapon stockpiles.
The organization highlighted the establishment of the Chemical Technology Centre in 2023, emphasizing its importance in enhancing the capability of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to conduct research and chemical analysis significantly. This supports the organization’s verification regime and inspection capabilities.
Despite the Syrian regime’s declaration of disposing of all chemical weapons, concerns persist regarding its continued possession and development of chemical weapons. This is especially alarming given that the Syrian regime has reportedly resumed the use of chemical weapons 241 times after declaring the destruction of its chemical arsenal, according to documentation by the Chemical Violations Documentation Center of Syria (CVDCS).
These concerns were further heightened following the spread of foul odors after airstrikes targeted the Scientific Studies and Research Center in Jamraya on the evening of Sunday, March 31, 2024, as reported by eyewitnesses to the Chemical Violations Documentation Center of Syria (CVDCS). Residents in the capital complained of the spread of clear and unpleasant odors west of Damascus, particularly in “Mashroa’a Dummar, Qudsaya” areas extending to the Mezzeh area.
https://twitter.com/CVDCS_SY/status/1775146837923529111
The Chemical Weapons Convention prohibits member states from engaging, under any circumstances, in the following activities:
– Developing or producing chemical weapons, or possessing them in any way, including storing or retaining them, or directly or indirectly transferring chemical weapons to anyone.
– Using chemical weapons.
– Undertaking any military preparations for the use of chemical weapons.
– Assisting, encouraging, or inducing anyone in any way to engage in activities prohibited under this convention.
Additionally, all member states commit to destroying any chemical weapons they possess or control, or that are located in any area under their jurisdiction or control, in accordance with the provisions of this convention.
These states also pledge to destroy all chemical weapons they have left in the territory of any other state party, in addition to destroying any facilities for the production of chemical weapons they own or control, or that are located in any area under their jurisdiction or control, according to the provisions of this convention.
It’s worth noting that the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its intensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons.
chemical_attack chemical_weapons opcw syria
