H.E. Mr Juraj Macháč, Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the OPCW, and H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, Director-General of the OPCW
THE HAGUE, Netherlands–29 November 2021–The Government of Slovakia has contributed €10,000 to the voluntary Trust Fund in support of the International Support Network for Victims of Chemical Weapons and €10,000 to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Trust Fund for Training of inspectors and other personnel.
The contributions were formalised on 26 November during a ceremony between the Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Juraj Macháč, and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias.
Ambassador Macháč stated: “The Slovak Republic has always been a fervent supporter of the OPCW. No matter who and no matter what the circumstances, it is always most unfortunate to witness someone perpetrating the barbaric and heinous act of using chemical weapons. More than ever, it is crucial to develop and improve our capabilities to protect humankind against the destructive effects of such weapons. Therefore, I am pleased that the Slovak Government is willing to contribute to both the Trust Fund for Victims of Chemical Weapons and The Trust Fund for Training with the intention to help the OPCW provide the required assistance in those two important aspects. In addition, we stand ready to continue to provide our support by offering the facility in Zemianske Kostoľany to ensure further training of OPCW’s personnel.”
The Director-General expressed: “I am particularly grateful for the Government of Slovakia’s contribution in support of victims, who remain at the heart of the OPCW’s mission to permanently rid the world of chemical weapons. I am also grateful for support towards the professional development of our inspectors and other staff, ensuring they have updated knowledge and skills in important areas for implementing the Convention – such as non-routine missions, investigations and assistance visits.”
Background
In 2011, the Conference of the States Parties established the International Support Network for Victims of Chemical Weapons and a voluntary trust fund for this purpose. The OPCW Member States Parties can support the Network by providing medical treatment to victims of chemical weapons in their countries; organising events to raise awareness at the national level on victims of chemical weapons; exchanging information on experiences related to treatment of victims of chemical weapons, through e.g. providing research scholarships to the developing States Parties in the field of the treatment of victims of chemical weapons; and facilitating materials- and equipment-related assistance to States Parties to assist and support the victims of chemical weapons.
The OPCW Trust Fund for Training carries out a range of instruction of OPCW personnel in support of various activities, including non-routine inspections, investigations, and Rapid Response and Assistance Missions (RRAMs).
As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Convention’s entry into force in 1997, it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.
Over 98% of all declared chemical weapon stockpiles have been destroyed under OPCW verification. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.