Throughout history, we find examples of chemical weapons being used as warfare agents. By using chemical weapons, opponents were trying to defeat one another by causing suffering and as many casualties as possible. In addition to nuclear and biological weapons, nowadays chemical weapons are considered weapons of mass destruction by the international community. The use of chemical weapons provokes horrendous and devastating effects for both people and the environment.
At a very early stage, the international community began limiting and condemning the use of chemical weapons. Numerous documents of international law were created in order to try and limit, as well as prohibit, the use of chemical weapons. The most comprehensive and effective approach in this field was achieved through the adoption of the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1993 which clearly prohibits the use, development, production, and stockpiling of chemical weapons.
Despite the fact that the sphere of chemical weapons is clearly governed by rules of international law, some countries are still breaching these rules: in Syria, for example, the alleged use of chemical weapons and a breach of the international prohibition are suspected. In September 2013, Syria acceded to the Chemical Weapons Convention.
In my Master’s thesis, I am focussing on the rules of international law that relate to chemical weapons, the use of said weapons in the conflict in Syria, and the destruction of Syrian chemical weapons stockpiles, while also considering the arrangement of the OPCW and its role in connection with the destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles.
|
