The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is an international organisation established with the support of the United Nations on April 29, 1997, after the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which was opened for signature in January 1993. The organisation was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.

 

The OPCW’s main objectives are to ensure control over the observance of the ban on the use of chemical weapons, eliminate their stockpiles, promote cooperation in peaceful use of chemistry, assist states in providing protection against chemical weapons, ensure the non-proliferation of chemical weapons.

 

The 18th Regional Meeting was attended by relevant representatives from 27 countries. Otabek Kasimov, Head of the National Authority – Head of Inspectorate for Supervision of the Implementation of the Convention on Prohibition of Chemical and Bacteriological Weapons of the State Committee of Industrial Safety, took part in the event on behalf of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

 

Participants of the meeting got acquainted with the obligations under Articles 7, 10 and 11 of the Chemical Weapons Convention, within the framework of which the states parties must, in accordance with their constitutional procedures, take the necessary measures to implement their obligations, have the right to assistance and protection against chemical weapons, as well as to economic and technical development.

 

It should be noted that Uzbekistan actively cooperates with the OPCW, has adopted initial legislative measures, as well as timely implements the requirements arising from the obligations of the Convention. In addition, it is important to note that a draft government decision is currently being developed to implement all the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which the Republic of Uzbekistan should undertake.

 

Speakers of the meeting noted that within the framework of the implementation of the Article 7 of the above Convention this year, the annual report on legislative measures through the online platform created by the OPCW was successfully provided by Cambodia, China, Cyprus, Fiji, India, Japan, Lebanon, Maldives, Pakistan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, as well as by the Republic of Uzbekistan.

 

Chemical weapons are one of the weapons of mass destruction, which is a poisonous substance and means that are chemical compounds inflicting damage on enemy manpower.

 

A number of international conventions prohibit the development, production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons. However, in a number of countries, certain types of lacrimal toxic substances (gas cylinders, pistols with gas cartridges) are allowed for the fight against criminal elements and as a civilian weapon of self-defense. Many states often use non-lethal toxic substances to combat riots (grenades with toxic substances, aerosol sprays, gas cylinders, pistols with gas cartridges).

 

It should be noted that in accordance with the Article 2551 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the development, production, proliferation, purchase, transfer, storage, illegal occupancy and other actions with bacteriological (biological), chemical and other types of weapons of mass destruction prohibited by international treaties of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall be punished with imprisonment from five to eight years. The same acts that have resulted in death of a person, other grave consequences shall be punished by imprisonment from eight to fifteen years.

 

The Republic of Uzbekistan ratified the 1993 Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction by the resolution of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan of 26 April 1996.