The Office of the Legal Adviser provides legal advice and support to the Director-General, the Divisions and Branches of the Secretariat, and States Parties on a wide range of legal issues. In doing so, the Office ensures that the Organisation’s activities are conducted in accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and relevant rules, policies and agreements.
The primary responsibility of the Office is to assist in the interpretation and implementation of the CWC, the decisions and rules of procedure of the policy-making organs, the internal legislation of the Organisation, and various sources of public international law.
The Office advises on commercial matters, the development of new internal administrative policies and procedures, and personnel-related administrative issues. Its legal services include assistance in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating international agreements and interpretation of the Headquarters Agreement between the OPCW and the Host Country.
The Office defends the OPCW against claims arising from its activities.