Observed on Saturday, the Day of Remembrance commemorates those who lost their lives or suffered injuries from chemical weapons, emphasizing the need for nations to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
In a statement, the Secretary-General highlighted a significant achievement from the previous year: the complete elimination of declared chemical weapon stockpiles as outlined in the Chemical Weapons Convention.
However, he warned that despite this progress, there has been a resurgence of these weapons in the past decade, coupled with advancements in science and technology that pose an even greater threat.
Mr. Guterres called on the global community to recommit to eradicating the use of chemical weapons once and for all and to uphold the principles of the Chemical Weapons Convention to achieve a world free from these weapons.
Adopted during the Summit of the Future in September, the Pact for the Future aims to enhance international collaboration on urgent issues such as disarmament, development, climate change, and human rights to ensure a peaceful and sustainable future for all.
Remembering the Victims
Aside from advocating for action, the Day of Remembrance serves as a poignant moment to pay tribute to those affected by chemical warfare, underscoring the human toll of these weapons and the joint responsibility to prevent their use.
This day is observed annually on 30 November or, when appropriate, the opening day of the regular session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Convention.
Efforts Against Chemical Weapons
The global campaign to eliminate chemical weapons traces back over a century, after their devastating impact during World War I led to widespread casualties and injuries. Although they were not deployed on European battlefields in World War II, the awareness of their destructive nature spurred calls for comprehensive disarmament.
Role of the Chemical Weapons Convention
Established in 1992, the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) stands as the cornerstone of global disarmament efforts. Enforced in 1997, it has garnered support from 193 nations, making it one of the most widely ratified international agreements for disarmament.
The CWC prohibits the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons, while requiring the destruction of existing stockpiles and production facilities. It also established the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to oversee compliance, conduct verification activities, and promote collaboration among Member States.
