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The Secretary-General’s investigations of alleged use of chemical, biological or toxin weapons

This presentation discusses the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs and the mechanism for investigating alleged use of chemical and biological weapons by the Secretary-General. It explores the guidelines, procedures, and roster of experts and laboratories involved in the fact-finding process. The text language is English.

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The Secretary-General’s investigations of alleged use of chemical, biological or toxin weapons

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  1. The Secretary-General’s investigations of alleged use of chemical, biological or toxin weapons Presentation by United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs

  2. The Mechanism and BWC Sixth Review Conference of BWC: The Conference invites the Security Council: … (ii) to request, if it deems necessary and in accordance with its resolution 620 of 1988, the United Nations Secretary-General to investigate the allegation of use, using the technical guidelines and procedures contained in Annex I of United Nations Document A/44/561; … (iii) to inform each State Party of the results of any investigation initiated under this Article and to consider promptly any appropriate further action which may be necessary. The Conference notes that the Secretary-General’s investigation mechanism, set out in A/44/561 and endorsed by the General Assembly in its resolution 45/57, represents an international institutional mechanism for investigating cases of alleged use of biological or toxin weapons. The Conference notes in this regard General Assembly resolution 60/288 (2006).

  3. Mandate for investigations • General Assembly • Requests the Secretary-General to carry out promptly investigations in response to reports that may be brought to his attention by any Member State concerning the possible use of chemical and bacteriological (biological) or toxin weapons that may constitute a violation of the 1925 Geneva Protocol or other relevant rules of customary international law in order to ascertain the facts of the matter, and to report promptly the results of any such investigation to all Member States” (resolution A/RES/42/37C of 1987) • Security Council • Encourages the Secretary-General to carry out promptly investigations in response to allegations brought to his attention by any Member State concerning the possible use of chemical and bacteriological (biological) or toxic weapons…….., in order to ascertain the facts of the matter, and to report the results (Resolution S/RES/620 of 1988) Fact-finding Mechanism

  4. The Secretary-General’s Mechanism Key Elements S-G Mechanism Guidelines and Procedures Roster of Experts and Laboratories

  5. Reinvigoration of the Mechanism: Guidelines & Procedures • Technical guidelines and procedures (A/44/561 of 1989 and endorsement by the GA (A/RES/45/57 of 1990) • Coverage: • Launching an investigation • Role of consultants, experts, laboratories • Preparations and conduct of fact-finding missions • Technical procedures for fact-finding activities • Drafting and content of report • General Assembly resolution “UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy (A/RES/60/288 (2006): Member States encourage the Secretary-General to update the roster of experts and laboratories, as well as the technical guidelines and procedures, available to him for the timely and efficient investigation of alleged use • 2007 Update of the appendices to the technical guidelines and procedures by the group of experts and representatives of international organizations

  6. Reinvigoration of the Mechanism: Secretary-General’s Roster • Ongoing update of the roster of experts and laboratories • Currently: Experts – ~300 & Laboratories - >42

  7. Scope of in-country mission activities • Main purpose: collect “as many facts as possible’ • Basic facts to be collected for assessment: • nature and extent of any attack • its consequences • Effects of attack on victims and environment • Additional tasks: • As soon as possible provide estimate on possible victims and type of injuries to the S-G for provision of aid • Report any information obtained on the possible origin of CBT weapons used • Mode of operations: • Carried out rapidly after a request is received • Rapid Access • Least intrusive manner • Respect of laws and regulations • Meeting with representatives of international organizations present in the country

  8. Fact-finding activities:Site(s) of alleged use • Locate site(s) precisely • Examine terrain, vegetation and animal life • Degree of contamination • In situ detection and analysis • Collect biomedical samples • Collect physical evidence

  9. Reinvigoration of the Mechanism • Ultimate Objective: Impartial, effective and operational tool for investigation of alleged use drawing upon the highest level of expertise and cadre of trained experts

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