OPCW, The Hague, The Netherlands
29 April 2018 marks the 21st anniversary of the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and the founding of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Ahmet Üzümcü expressed: “This anniversary is a reminder that we must continue our efforts to ensure a world free of chemical weapons. While celebrating our achievements we must be prepared to meet the new challenges. The full and effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention by all States Parties is the most appropriate response to them. The international norm against these horrific weapons must be upheld by all, Governments and other stakeholders alike.”
Background
As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Convention’s entry into force in 1997 – with its 192 States Parties – it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.
Over 96 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.