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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the OPCW do?
Our mission is to implement the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention in order to achieve the OPCW's vision of a world both free of chemical weapons and in which cooperation in chemistry for peaceful purposes for all is fostered. In doing this, our ultimate aim is to contribute to international security and stability, to general and complete disarmament and to global and economic development. To see the activities organised by the OPCW for the upcoming months, please see the Calendar of Events.

Where are the founding documents of the OPCW?
The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) of 1993 provides the mandate for the OPCW to monitor the destruction of existing, declared stocks of chemical weapons and the facilities used to produce chemical weapons, as well as by checking industrial sites to ensure that chemicals monitored under the CWC are used in accordance with the chemical weapons ban.

Which are the members of the OPCW?
As at 3 January 2008, there are 183 States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention and, therefore, Members of the OPCW. See the complete up-to-date list of the membership of the OPCW.

What is a national authority?
In accordance with Article VII of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), in order to fulfil its obligations under the Convention, each State Party shall designate or establish a National Authority to serve as the national focal point for effective liaison with the Organisation and other States Parties. Each State Party must notify the Organisation of its National Authority at the time that the Convention enters into force for it.

JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES

How can I apply for an internship or a job with OPCW?
Information on jobs and internships can be found in the Employment section of the website. Also, OPCW supports an Internship Support programme to facilitates scientists and engineers from developing countries, and countries with economies in transition, to gain experience by working for a limited period of time in advanced research laboratories/facilities in industrialised countries. Learn more about OPCW Internship Support Programme.

Does OPCW provide funding for internships or research?
OPCW supports an Internship Support programme to facilitates scientists and engineers from developing countries, and countries with economies in transition, to gain experience by working for a limited period of time in advanced research laboratories/facilities in industrialised countries. Learn more about OPCW Internship Support Programme. The OPCW Secretariat supports small-scale research projects in Member States where economies are developing or in transition scientific and technical knowledge in the field of chemistry for industrial, agricultural, research, medical, pharmaceutical or other peaceful purposes. Learn more about the Research Project Programme.

How does a laboratory become a certified inspection facility? Can my laboratory apply?
Laboratories wishing to improve their technical capabilities are encouraged to apply to the OPCW Secretariat for support. The programme is also intended primarily for those laboratories which have adequate infrastructure and could benefit from an increased level of technical competence. Support may include any of the following: assistance in the establishment of an adequate quality assurance system and preparation of a quality manual; training of staff at leading laboratories in the field; internships at an advanced OPCW  Laboratory; sponsorship for the participation of key staff in scientific seminars in relevant areas; and conduct of specialised seminars at these laboratories. Learn more about the Laboratory Assistance Programme.

Does the OPCW provide funding to attend events, conferences, or courses?
The Conference Support Programme is aimed at providing financial support for organising conferences, workshops and seminars on special topics relevant to the Chemical Weapons Convention. Support is provided to institutions/recognised scientific organisations in developing countries, or countries with economies in transition, for resource persons and/or participants belonging to these countries to sponsor their attendance of such events. Support is also provided to institutions or recognised scientific organisations in developed countries for resource persons and/or participants from developing or transition economy countries, in similar events, organised by them. The Secretariat does not provide support directly to individuals wishing to participate at such conferences. The forms of support include travel grants and core grants to cover certain administrative costs of organising the conference.

REQUESTS AND INQUIRIES FROM THE MEDIA, NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS, AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC
Please submit your requests and inquiries to the Media and Public Affairs Branch, External Relations Division, by e-mail (media@opcw.org), post (Johan de Wittlaan 32, 2517 JR The Hague, the Netherlands) or fax (+31 70 416 3044).

Request for information/documents in other languages
The OPCW website includes publicly-available official documents in English. If you require a publicly-available document in another OPCW official language other than English (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish), please submit your request to the Media and Public Affairs Branch, External Relations Division, by e-mail (media@opcw.org), post (Johan de Wittlaan 32, 2517 JR The Hague, the Netherlands) or fax (+31 70 416 3044).

Request to be on mailing list for publications
If you would like to receive periodical e-mail messages from the OPCW, including press releases, advisories and invitations, please register your e-mail address with media@opcw.org.

Can people visit the OPCW?
Schools and non-governmental organisations are welcome to request a visit to the OPCW headquarters in The Hague, the Netherlands. Requests can be made via email to media@opcw.org or calling +31 70 416 3244. Please state what areas in particular you are interested (overview, verification activities, legal issues, health and safety, etc.)

I’m an NGO. Can I get involved in an upcoming event, conference or course?
Non-governmental organisations Representatives of non-governmental organisations may be invited to attend the plenary meetings of the Conference of the States Parties in accordance with such rules as the Conference has approved. From time to time, the OPCW organises workshops that are open to the general public. If you would like to receive such notices, please register your e-mail address with media@opcw.org.

I’m a teacher/student/other. Can I make copies of the OPCW publications or other documents and distribute them for educational purposes?
Please contact the Media and Public Affairs Branch, External Relations Division, by e-mail (media@opcw.org), post (Johan de Wittlaan 32, 2517 JR The Hague, the Netherlands) or fax (+31 70 416 3044) to request permission to distribute copies of OPCW literature.

Can I link to the OPCW site from my website?
You need prior approval to link to the OPCW site from your website. Please submit your request to the Media and Public Affairs Branch, External Relations Division, by e-mail (media@opcw.org), post (Johan de Wittlaan 32, 2517 JR The Hague, the Netherlands) or fax (+31 70 416 3044).

Can you link my website to the OPCW homepage?
If you host a website with content that relates to the OPCW and the CWC and you consider that this content would be worthwhile being accessible from the OPCW website, please send a letter or message supporting your request to the Media and Public Affairs Branch, External Relations Division, by e-mail (media@opcw.org), post (Johan de Wittlaan 32, 2517 JR The Hague, the Netherlands) or fax (+31 70 416 3044).

Can I use a picture from the OPCW website?
You are welcome to use any picture published on the OPCW website for academic, educational or research purposes. If you are in doubt, please contact the Media and Public Affairs Branch, External Relations Division, by e-mail (media@opcw.org), post (Johan de Wittlaan 32, 2517 JR The Hague, the Netherlands) or fax (+31 70 416 3044).

WEBSITE

Having technical difficulties with the website?
Please report any error or problem, or contribute any suggestion or comment, to media@opcw.org.

CONTACTING THE OPCW
The Contact page on the OPCW website lists key contact details for the OPCW website. If you are not clear which department you need to speak with, please call Reception Desk (+31 70 416 3300) or send an e-mail message to media@opcw.org.