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AU meeting on universalization of biological weapons convention concludes in Ethiopia

Xinhua, October 31, 2015 Adjust font size:

A two-day meeting organized by the African Union (AU) on the universalization of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) was wrapped up on Friday at the AU Headquarters in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.

AU organized the meeting in collaboration with the Geneva-based Implementation Support Unit of the BWC, within the framework of the Common African Defense and Security Policy (CADSP) adopted by the 2nd Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of States and Government, in February 2004.

It was also in follow-up to the press release of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, issued on 26 March 2015, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the entry into force of the BWC.

The objective of the meeting was to enhance understanding of the BWC and its implementation among signatories and non-signatories in order to promote its universality.

The meeting discussed a number of related topics, including procedures for ratification of, and accession to, the BWC; national legislative, administrative and enforcement measures; convergence between biology and chemistry and implications for the BWC; synergies between the BWC and UN Security Council resolution 1540 (2004); and international assistance and cooperation within the framework of the BWC.

The meeting discussed in depth matters of bio-safety, bio-security, bio-sciences and technology in Africa, the implications and lessons learned from the Ebola Disease Outbreak, including the national and regional measures required to address disease outbreaks and bio-threats.

The BWC prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, retention, stockpiling and use of biological and toxin weapons.

It is one of the three fundamental pillars of the international community's effort against weapons of mass destruction along with the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty and the Chemical Weapons Convention.

The BWC also complements United Nations Security Council resolution 1540, which aims to prevent the proliferation of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons and their means of delivery to non-state actors.

Biological weapons can be used to attack humans, but also livestock and crops.

Globally, 171 States are Party to the BWC, 39 of which are AU Member States, according an AU statement.

There is a growing risk that biological weapons may be obtained and used by non-state actors, including terrorist groups, said the statement.

Wider membership of the BWC will ensure there are fewer places where bioterrorists can work with impunity. Joining the BWC is a step all states can take to help reduce the threat of terrorism. Enditem