Issues arising from the Second Review Conference
on Safety and Security at Chemical Plants and
Relationships with CWC stakeholders
Seminar
Multilateral Approaches to Non-proliferation –
the Chemical Dimension
18 March 2009
OPCW
Krzysztof Paturej
Director, Office of Special Projects
Office of Special Projects
The UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy
The UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/60/288,
dated 8 September 2006
“Encourages the IAEA and the OPCW to continue their efforts, within their
respective mandates, to help States to build capacity to prevent terrorists
from accessing nuclear, chemical, or radiological materials, to ensure
security at related facilities, and to respond effectively in the event of an
attack using such materials.”
Office of Special Projects
The Second Review Conference
(7-18 April 2008)
The Second Review Conference in its Report (RC-2/4 of 18 April 2008)
adopted by consensus identified new areas requiring further attention and careful
considerations, including:
1.
Safety and Security at Chemical Plants
2.
Relationships with CWC stakeholders
Office of Special Projects
The Second Review Conference Report
Safety and Security at Chemical Plants (9.94)
• The Second Review Conference reaffirmed concerns expressed at the First
Review Conference that chemical facilities may become subject to attacks or
other incidents that could lead to the release or theft of toxic chemicals.
• The Second Review Conference welcomed the fact that some States Parties had
taken measures to minimise such risks and encouraged States Parties to
exchange experiences and discuss related issues.
Office of Special Projects
The Second Review Conference Report
Safety and Security at Chemical Plants (9.94)
• It noted the value of Article X in this respect and the role of the OPCW
as a forum for consultation and cooperation among the States Parties.
• The Second Review Conference recognised the need for close
cooperation with other relevant international organisations and
agencies active in this field.
Office of Special Projects
OPCW role in promoting Safety and Security at chemical
facilities
•
The OPCW can contribute to enhancing the security of chemical business by developing
the role of the OPCW as a platform (venue) of support for global cooperation in reducing
the chemical threat by promoting awareness of chemical safety and security best
practices by fostering cooperation between chemical professionals (ref. CWC Art. VIII –
OPCW as a forum for consultation and cooperation).
•
The OPCW will NOT:
- have an independent role;
- develop expertise within the Secretariat on Chemical safety and security;
- include chemical safety and security issues in inspection and verification activities;
- develop regulatory measures;
- develop guidance or advise on chemical safety and security issues;
The Secretariat commenced a preparation for conducting a study to produce a report on:
“the OPCW’s role in development of chemical plant security”.
Office of Special Projects
The process of engagement of stakeholders in the OPCW
work
•
For the Chemical Weapons Convention to be comprehensively implemented,
it is vital that the numerous stakeholders, including the chemical industry and
the scientific community, become involved in the promotion of its goals and
supporting national implementation.
•
The cooperation with the stakeholders received a boost during the OPCW
tenth anniversary (the OPCW Academic Forum - September 2007) and
OPCW Industry and Protection Forum - November 2007) and in Review
Conference preparatory process /The TS Note S/674/2008 of 1 February 2008
on the outcomes of the Academic Forum and Industry and Protection Forum/.
•
A close relationship has been established with Cefic and International Council
of Chemical Associations (ICCA)
Office of Special Projects
The Second Review Conference Report
Relationships with CWC stakeholders (9.77)
•
The Conference reaffirmed that raising the awareness of all
stakeholders about the prohibitions and requirements of the
Convention would benefit national implementation.
•
The Conference noted that voluntary measures by relevant
industry and scientific communities to promote responsible
conduct can also help to guard against chemical weapons, as
defined in the Convention, being used.
Office of Special Projects
The Second Review Conference Report
Relationships with CWC stakeholders (9.136)
• The Second Review Conference welcomed recent experience of interactions
between National Authorities and other stakeholders in the OPCW from
governments and the private sector.
• It underlined the importance of the involvement of all stakeholders, including
the chemical industry and the scientific community in the promotion of the
Convention’s goals and in supporting national implementation.
• It encouraged the development of such cooperation, with due regard to the role
and responsibilities of States Parties and their National Authorities, on the
broadest possible geographical basis.
Office of Special Projects
Development of a long term strategy for how the OPCW
should develop its relationship with the many
stakeholders of the Convention
•
The ultimate goal is the adoption of a sound, realistic and result-oriented strategy
that will help develop and coordinate the activities of the different units of the
Secretariat with the different stakeholders, taking into account cost effectiveness,
internal coordination and maximisation of productive (and politically acceptable)
stakeholder input into CWC processes at the international level
•
All activities aimed at involving stakeholders must be developed in full respect of
the requirements of the CWC and the agreed core objectives and activities of the
OPCW
•
The implementation of the strategy will broaden the multilateral dimension of the
OPCW by providing a platform for the practical engagement of CWC
stakeholders in promoting and/or supporting implementation of the Convention
Office of Special Projects
Concluding Remarks
•
Following the recommendation of the Review Conference Technical Secretariat develops
strategies on cooperation with stakeholders and support safety and security at chemical
plants, with due regard to the role and responsibilities of States Parties and their National
Authorities, on the broadest possible geographical basis
•
Consultations with possible partners: ICCA, CEFIC, Member States, national chemical
associations, scientific community, and the relevant international organisations involved
in this issue
•
The development and implementation of the strategies on cooperation with the
stakeholders and on safety and security at chemical plants will broaden the
implementation of Article X (assistance and protection) and XI (economic and
technological development)
•
Since there are no relevant resources at the Secretariat, the OPCW contribution to
enhancing the security of chemical facilities and cooperation with the stakeholders
should rely mainly on resources and assistance from and through States Parties
Office of Special Projects
Thank you !
Office of Special Projects