Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)

Australia consistently and strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, under any circumstances. Australia's commitment to the eradication of chemical weapons is founded in the memory of the many casualties of chemical weapons used on the battlefields of Europe in the First World War.

Australia acceded to the Geneva Protocol in 1930 and was instrumental in negotiating the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Australia was an original signatory to the CWC on 13 January 1993 and was among the first nations to ratify it, in 1994. The Convention entered into force in 1997. Australia has a long history of supporting the full and effective implementation of the CWC, including actively working towards the goal of achieving universal adherence.

Australia has consistently and vigorously supported the United Nations and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in confronting the challenges of chemical weapons. We work closely with the OPCW, including sharing a seat on the Executive Council with New Zealand and Canada. Our next four-year term begins in 2026.

Australia strongly supported the work of the OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) on Syria (2015-2017), which confirmed that chemical weapons had been used in Syria multiple occasions. Australia also supports the ongoing work of the OPCW's Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) that identifies and reports on all information potentially relevant to the origin of those chemical weapons.

Australia is a founding partner of the International Partnership Against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons. The partnership was established in 2018 to collect and preserve information to assist in holding accountable those responsible for the proliferation or use of chemical weapons.

Australia's role as permanent Chair of the Australia Group (AG) further strengthens the effective implementation of the CWC in our region and beyond.

The risk of chemical weapons use reinforces the importance of ensuring the international community remains committed to the eradication of these abhorrent weapons. Australia views any proliferation of chemical weapons as a serious threat to global and regional peace and security. Anybody using, enabling or shielding those who use chemical weapons must be brought to justice.