In light of recent events, the potential use of chemical and biological weapons has become an urgent issue. The United States government has expressed concerns over Russia’s possible intentions for a chemical or biological attack in Ukraine. This follows Russia’s allegations about the presence of US chemical and biological weapons laboratories in Ukraine, a claim which the US government has denied.
Understanding Chemical Weapons
Chemical Weapons are intentionally used to cause harm or death due to their toxic properties. These include munitions, devices, and equipment specifically crafted to weaponize toxic chemicals.
India’s Role and Initiatives
India has enacted the Chemical Weapons Convention Act, 2000 to implement the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). This led to the creation of the National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention or NACWC in 2005, which now acts as the chief liaison between the Indian government and the global Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
Global Initiatives
Several multilateral environmental agreements strive to protect human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes, including the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. The Australia Group (AG), an informal forum of nations, focuses on harmonizing export controls to prevent contributions to developing chemical or biological weapons.
Chemical Weapons Convention: An Overview
The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) is a treaty that mandates the banning and destruction of chemical weapons within a specified timeframe. It originated from negotiations that began in 1980 at the United Nations Conference on Disarmament, and the convention was drafted in 1992. It became effective in April 1997. The CWC prohibits the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, or retention of chemical weapons, in addition to their usage and transfer.
What is a Biological Weapon?
A Biological weapon uses microbiological agents like bacteria, viruses, or fungi, or toxins to intentionaly cause harm or death to humans, animals, or plants.
The 1925 Geneva Protocol and Biological Weapons
The use of biological weapons in war was officially banned under the 1925 Geneva Protocol. India ratified this protocol in 1950. In addition to this, the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), which came into effect in 1975, also prohibits the development, production, and stockpiling of biological weapons. India ratified this convention in 1974.
Biological Weapons Convention: A Closer Look
The Biological Weapons Convention plays a pivotal role in curbing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Formally known as “The Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction”. The convention prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of biological and toxin weapons, making it the first multilateral disarmament treaty banning an entire category of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).