Image source: hrw
Countries convened to discuss the global status of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), including issues in Syria, during the First Committee session of the 79th United Nations General Assembly.
On October 22, 2024, representatives debated the international security implications of developing, stockpiling, and potentially using WMDs, including nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. The discussions focused on specific nations, including Syria, and highlighted ongoing concerns about compliance with international disarmament agreements.
New Zealand’s delegate expressed alarm, stating that the global norm against chemical weapons is increasingly threatened by Syria’s failure to fully declare and dismantle its chemical arsenal in line with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Syria’s disclosures on its chemical program, according to New Zealand, remain incomplete, with notable discrepancies growing in recent months.
The U.S. representative described the situation as “tragic,” citing undeclared chemical arsenals still in use by several nations, including Syria, which has allegedly used chemical weapons at least once since joining the CWC. The United States called on Convention member states to hold violators accountable and expose these breaches.
Canada’s representative voiced concerns about Syria’s lack of accountability, emphasizing the role of disinformation in undermining global peace and non-proliferation efforts.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom urged for stricter enforcement of the CWC and for holding all violators responsible, noting that long-standing prohibitions against chemical and biological weapons are now under threat.
France’s representative echoed these concerns, noting Syria’s continued ambiguity regarding its chemical program. France urged Syria to cooperate with the OPCW and emphasized the importance of implementing mechanisms for international cooperation and scientific and technical development. Serving as Vice-Chair of the Working Group on Strengthening the CWC, France reiterated the need for reinforced compliance.
The European Union also condemned Syria’s actions, particularly the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Syrian air force, and called for Syria’s cooperation with the OPCW to clarify its remaining stockpiles and chemical program details.
Chemical attacks in Syria have reportedly escalated since 2013, particularly in besieged cities. Following the 2013 sarin gas attack in the Damascus suburbs, the UN placed Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile under OPCW control in compliance with UN Resolution 2118. Syria’s entire declared stockpile was confirmed destroyed in October 2013 after Syria joined the CWC in September that year.
However, on April 24, 2024, the OPCW raised questions about Syria’s claims of full compliance, citing concerns that the Syrian regime may still be involved in chemical weapons development. This follows the OPCW’s 2023 statement verifying the irreversible destruction of declared chemical stockpiles under strict oversight.
The Chemical Violations Documentation Centre of Syria – CVDCS emphasized the need for rigorous enforcement of the CWC, which mandates the total prohibition and destruction of chemical weapons by all member states. The Centre called for justice for victims of chemical attacks and accountability for any involved parties.
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