Image source: wikiwand
In a recent United Nations decision on weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), Syria cast a negative vote, opposing a resolution issued by the UN First Committee that addressed six different WMD-related measures, including the prohibition of biological and chemical weapons.
During the 29th session of the First Committee (GA/DIS 3755), held on November 4, 2024, six texts were proposed regarding WMDs, including a new provision aimed at strengthening the Biological Weapons Convention. Among the proposed measures was a widely supported resolution to implement the Chemical Weapons Convention, which saw 155 member states voting in favor and nine countries, including Syria, China, North Korea, and Iran, voting against, with 16 countries abstaining.
The resolution specifically condemned the reported use of chemical weapons since 2012 in Syria, Iraq, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom, as documented by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and UN investigations.
The draft resolution (A/C.1/79/L.65) underscores the necessity of universal adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention, arguing that its objectives cannot be fully realized as long as any non-party state retains the ability to possess or acquire chemical weapons. It calls for the complete destruction of chemical weapon stockpiles and conversion or demolition of production facilities, stressing this as a crucial step in achieving the convention’s aims.
Alongside this, the committee also adopted a resolution titled “Measures to Uphold the Authority of the 1925 Geneva Protocol” (A/C.1/79/L.51), with 177 votes in favor and two abstentions from Israel and the United States. Additionally, a separate draft on preventing terrorist access to radioactive materials (A/C.1/79/L.64) passed with overwhelming support, with 178 votes in favor and one abstention from Iran.
Poland’s delegate, speaking before the vote, highlighted the Chemical Weapons Convention as a landmark agreement designed to eliminate an entire class of WMDs. He urged the international community to adopt a “zero tolerance” approach towards any threat of chemical weapon use, calling for a policy of “zero impunity” for violators.
Syria’s representative, however, expressed regret over Poland’s sponsorship of the “L.65” draft resolution, which he argued had grown increasingly politicized over the past decade.
The delegate criticized the resolution for its “selective” focus, stating that it ignored key aspects of the OPCW’s broader work and instead highlighted issues serving specific political interests. He noted that the draft contained technical details on OPCW activities but omitted Syria’s cooperative efforts with the OPCW’s Technical Secretariat and did not address the alleged use of chemical agents by terrorist groups against civilians and Syrian forces.
The Syrian delegate contended that the draft took a “biased approach” by singling out specific countries and dedicating nine paragraphs to issues discussed within the OPCW relevant to these nations. He urged a negative vote on the resolution and several of its provisions.
The UN General Assembly, however, upheld its position, condemning the use of chemical weapons -in the strongest terms- as a violation of international law and reaffirming that perpetrators must face accountability. The condemnation forms part of the First Committee’s six resolutions addressing WMDs and is aimed at strengthening international security and disarmament.
