Conference of the States Parties
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) invites media representatives to accredit themselves for the Twenty-First Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP-21), taking place from Monday 28 November through Friday 2 December 2016 at World Forum in The Hague, Netherlands. Detailed information can be found at: https://csp21.opcw.org
The Conference of the States Parties is the principal organ of the OPCW and consists of representatives from each of the Organisation’s Member States, each of which has one vote. It meets annually for one week in The Hague to assess the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and to make key decisions regarding the future work of the Organisation. The Conference of the States Parties promotes the CWC’s objectives and reviews compliance with the treaty.
ISSUES ON THE AGENDA:
States Parties are expected to discuss the status of the implementation of the CWC, including progress to date in the verifiable destruction of chemical weapons by possessor states, and what steps the OPCW needs to take to tackle the growing threat of use of such weapons.
INTERVIEW REQUESTS:
The OPCW Spokesperson and various officials will be available for statements during the Conference. Interested media representatives should contact the Public Affairs Branch, tel. +31 (0)70 416 3242
CSP HIGHLIGHTS:
The Conference of the States Parties provides an excellent opportunity for members of the media to learn more about and report on the history, legacy, achievements and challenges ahead for the Chemical Weapons Convention and the OPCW. A rich community of experts, practitioners, officials and people whose lives have been impacted by chemical weapons are present during the CSP.
MONDAY 28 NOVEMBER
OPCW Director-General’s Reception: The OPCW Director-General invites all participants of CSP-21, including members of the media, to the opening reception that will be held on Monday 28 November at 18:30 (Delegates Lounge; OPCW Headquarters).
WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER
Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare: This tribute event will be held on Wednesday 30 November from 9:00 to 10:00 (Ieper Room; OPCW Headquarters). Commemoratory statements will be followed by wreath-laying at the memorial site in the OPCW garden.
The ceremony serves as a reminder that chemical weapons have yet to be consigned to the past and are still bring about enormous human suffering. The OPCW will pay homage to all victims of chemical warfare and reaffirm its commitment to uphold the global norm against these reprehensible weapons.
ALL WEEK
Side Events: States Parties, International Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and OPCW’s Technical Secretariat will organise a wide variety of side events that showcase success stories, highlight important issues, provide trainings in advanced techniques in verification, spotlight challenges due to emerging technologies and more.
Exhibitions: Throughout the Conference, at both the World Forum and OPCW Headquarters, exhibits will be provided by a large number of NGOs and several States Parties. These exhibits can offer insights into various issues connected to CWC implementation.
ACCREDITATION DEADLINE AND DETAILS:
Media representatives must submit an accreditation request via an online form (see link to form below) to the OPCW as soon as possible, and no later than Thursday 24 November at 16:00 CET, as space is limited.
Note: Members of the media should NOT submit their accreditation requests to Embassies, as such requests will be considered invalid.
Accreditation requests should include the full name of the media outlet; the names of journalists, cameramen and other technicians who wish to attend; the type of recording equipment that will be used; copies of passports or other forms of official ID, such as numbered photo IDs; and valid press cards. Volunteers not in possession of a valid press card should enclose a letter from their editor, nominating them to act as the media outlet’s representative at the CSP.
Access the accreditation form here
All accredited media representatives will require a conference badge to gain access to public Conference sessions and events, both at the World Forum and at OPCW Headquarters. Badges will be issued, upon presentation of a valid ID, at the registration desk from 9.00 on Monday 28 November at the World Forum. Badges must be worn visibly at all times while on the Conference premises.
Limited space for cameras and sound equipment (breakout sound boxes) will be provided in the plenary hall of the Conference. Should camera arrangements be needed at other times or locations during the Conference, media representatives are asked to contact OPCW Public Affairs
Please note that some States Parties may indicate that their National Statement is not public. Members of the media are asked to abide by this request.
Background
The Chemical Weapons Convention comprehensively prohibits the use, development, production, stockpiling and transfer of chemical weapons. Any chemical used for warfare is considered a chemical weapon by the Convention. The OPCW is the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention and oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons.
The Convention entered into force in 1997. With 192 countries obligating themselves to the CWC, it is the most successful disarmament treaty in existence, eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction. To date, over 93 per cent of all chemical weapon stockpiles declared by possessor states have been destroyed under OPCW verification. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Prize for Peace.