Latin America, the Caribbean and the OPCW

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Foreword

Rogelio Pfirter, Director-General, Technical Secretariat, OPCW

The OPCW's mission is to free the world chemical weapons. 182 nations, including 31 countries in the Latin America and the Caribbean region, joined forces to achieve this goal. This vision enshrined in the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which entered into force in April 1997. Since then, one-quarter of the declared eight and a million chemical weapons —in the form of munitions— have been verifiably destroyed. Almost ninety percent of the declared chemical weapons production facilities have already been either verifiably destroyed or converted for peaceful purposes. And almost one-quarter of the world's declared stockpile of chemical weapons, amounting to over 71,000 metric tons, has been verifiably destroyed.

A chemical weapons-free world will only be achieved if all countries join the CWC and implement it fully. The Latin American and Caribbean Group is a major stakeholder in the OPCW. This region has a long-standing tradition of pioneering disarmament initiatives in the field of weapons of mass destruction. This tradition, begun even before the conclusion of the CWC, includes such signal achievements as the 1967 Tlatelolco Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America, and the "Mendoza Commitment", signed in 1991, which unilaterally banned chemical and biological weapons from a large portion of Latin America. In this sense, the presence and active support of Latin America and the Caribbean in the OPCW is a continuation of the policies of the region over the years and the region's strong commitment to peace and security.

OPCW Member States within the Latin American and Caribbean Region have made significant contributions to the advancement of national implementation, in particular in regard to legal matters. A network of legal experts was first established in the Latin American and Caribbean region, inspiring other regions to pursue similar support networks to achieve the effective implementation of the Convention.

Through their participation in the Organisation, the Latin American and the Caribbean States Parties have made, and will continue to make, a contribution to both the region's economic and technological development, as well as to regional and global security.

This booklet lists some of the benefits which membership in the CWC has already brought to Member States in this region and the OPCW's efforts to assist them in enhancing their national capacity to fully implement the Convention. In particular, the OPCW has a number of international cooperation programmes for Latin America and the Caribbean which facilitate scientific and technical exchange among States Parties to promote peaceful chemistry and building national capacity in the management of chemicals for peaceful purposes.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Entry into Force of the CWC. I wish to commend all OPCW Member States for the unwavering commitment to achieve the CWC goals.

Our Mission

An OPCW Inspector

The Chemical Weapons Convention is an international treaty which bans the development, production, stockpiling, transfer and use of chemical weapons, and it requires their destruction. The Convention entered into force in 1997 and mandated the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to eliminate chemical weapons and to destroy the declared chemical weapons stockpiles within stipulated deadlines.

In their routine on-site inspections, the OPCW's inspectors inventory regularly the secured stockpiles of declared chemical weapons and verify the irreversible destruction of these stockpiles. In addition, the OPCW's inspectors certify the inactivation, and later destruction, or conversion to peaceful purposes, of all declared chemical weapons production facilities.

At the same time, together with the States Parties, the OPCW verifies through on-site inspections the consistency of States Parties' industrial chemical declarations and monitors the non-diversion of chemicals for activities prohibited under this Convention.

In addition, States Parties are obligated to provide protection and assistance through the Organisation, if chemical weapons have been used against a State Party, or if such weapons threaten a State Party.

The Chemical Weapons Convention calls for international cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of chemistry.

Status Report

• 182 nations, representing about ninety-eight percent of the global population, have joined the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
• All declared chemical weapons production capacity has been inactivated. Over 90% of the declared chemical weapons production facilities have already been either verifiably destroyed or converted for peaceful purposes.
• All declared chemical weapons stockpiles have been inventoried and verified.
• Over 30% of the declared eight and a half million chemical weapons, in the form of munitions, have been verifiably destroyed.
• Almost 1/4 of the seventy-one thousand metric tonnes of declared chemical weapons agents have been verifiably destroyed.
• Over 2,800 inspections have been conducted at 200 chemical weapon-related sites and nearly over 850 industrial sites on the territory of 77 States Parties, since April 1997.
• Worldwide, well over 5,000 industrial facilities are liable to inspection.

Figures on chemical disarmament, non-proliferation and inspections change periodically. For up-to-date information, please visit the Facts and Figures section of the OPCW website at www.opcw.org.

The Network of Legal Experts

Latin America and the Caribbean, a pioneering region in legal technical assistance

At the First Regional Meeting of National Authorities of Member States in Latin America and the Caribbean in Lima, Peru, in March 2000, it was proposed that a network of legal experts designated by States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention be established in the region. By the end of 2003, the Network had held three meetings. The establishment of the Network of Legal Experts in Latin America and the Caribbean opened an avenue for States in the region to work together on themes related to the implementation of the Convention. (...) The Secretariat has expressed its appreciation to the Network of Legal Experts of Latin America and the Caribbean for its work and for the inspiration it provided for the expansion and transformation that have resulted in the OPCW Network of Legal Experts, which encompasses all five regional groupings in the OPCW. (Excerpts from the Report by the Network of Legal Experts from Latin America and the Caribbean on Its Role in Promoting the Adoption of National Implementing Legislation, S/385/2003, dated 5 November 2003)

By establishing the Legal Network, the OPCW has created an informal working mechanism that facilitates the sharing of experience, the pooling of both resources and information, the development of direct contacts between the legal experts in the States Parties as well as in the Secretariat, and the monitoring of progress with respect to both the drafting of legislation and other national implementation work. The Network also facilitates bilateral, regional, and subregional cooperation (for example, during the meeting, the French-speaking States Parties from Africa took the initiative to form their own sub-network to assist each other). (Excerpts from Legal Technical Assistance: Report of the First Meeting of the OPCW Network of Legal Experts, The Hague, 4 - 7 November 2003, S/398/2004, dated 28 January 2004)

Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Organs of the OPCW

First regional seminar on the role of the chemical and other relevant industries in the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention in Latin America and the Caribbean, Mexico City, Mexico, June 2003



Technical Meeting of National Authorities on Practical Aspects of the Transfers Regime in Connection with the Current Implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention: Customs, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, September 2004.

States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention in Latin America and the Caribbean are actively involved in the work of the OPCW policy-making organs and subsidiary bodies.

H.E. Mr Jaime Lagos of Chile was the Chairman of the Fifth Session of the Conference of the States Parties —the supreme organ of the OPCW— from 15 May 2000 to 14 May 2001, and H.E. Mr José Antonio Arróspide Del Busto of Peru chaired the Tenth Session (7 November 2005 to 5 December 2006).

During the Eleventh Session of the Conference, Chile and Cuba are the Vice-Chairs, Bolivia and Ecuador are represented on the Credentials Committee; and H.E. Mr Carlos Mora of Uruguay is the Chairperson of the Committee of the Whole.

Seven States always represent Latin America and the Caribbean, on a rotational basis, on the Executive Council —a 41-member organ. One further State Party is designated consecutively by States Parties located in the regions of Latin America and the Caribbean and Asia, as a rotating member from these regions.

From 12 May 2007 to 11 May 2008, the Executive Council members from Latin America and the Caribbean are Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru; and Chile is one of the Vice Chairs.

H.E. Mr José Antonio Arróspide Del Busto of Peru chaired the Executive Council from 12 May 2004 to 11 May 2005. H.E. Mr Ignacio Pichardo Pagaza of Mexico was the Chairman of the Council from May 1999 to May 2000.

Argentina, Cuba, Ecuador and Peru are represented on the Confidentiality Commission. Argentina and Mexico are represented on the Scientific Advisory Board.

Individually and collectively, these States Parties make an important contribution to the work of the OPCW.

The contribution of Latin America and the Caribbean is also reflected in a number of important posts held by nationals of States Parties from this region, including the Director-General of the Technical Secretariat, the Legal Adviser, the Chief of Cabinet, and the Heads of the following Branches: Inspectorate Management, and Implementation Support.

Information on the composition of OPCW policymaking organs changes periodically. For up-to-date information, please visit the Member States section of the OPCW website at www.opcw.org.

Latin American and Caribbean Voices of the OPCW

At the 11th Session of the Conference of the States Parties, The Hague, 5–8 December 2006

COLOMBIA
Colombia wishes to reiterate in this session its highest political commitment to complying with the Convention, in a comprehensive way and in the established terms. Our interest is in promoting its effective implementation in our country, as well as in Latin America and the Caribbean. Chemical weapons constitute a threat for the international security and peace. Therefore, advances in their destruction must continue to be made –as the governing principle -, in agreement with the terms established in the Convention.

CUBA
My country attaches great importance to the implementation of the verification regimes in order to prohibit, and eliminate from the face of the earth, all weapons of mass destruction, in terms of the international treaties. Consequently, my country reaffirms its deep commitment to the Convention, which is the foundation of our Organisation, to which end it has continued to meet the obligations which it contracted when it ratified the Convention. This has been possible thanks to the high level of support given by my government to the entire process of implementing the Convention nationally.

MEXICO
Since the Convention on Chemical Weapons is the sole international instrument that enshrines an international verification system, which by itself constitutes a benchmark, the success or failure of our efforts could either strengthen the international disarmament regime or else, it could be the catalyst of what could be the worst period through which the disarmament agenda would be transiting.

ECUADOR
Ecuador has always been a peace-loving country. We consider ourselves, therefore, deeply committed to the work being done by the OPCW. That is why Ecuador supports the work of a strong, universal organisation to avoid the danger presented by chemical weapons. As a result, in the course of this year, our country has collaborated with the OPCW in each and every one of the inspections which were carried out in our national industry.

NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT (NAM) AND CHINA
NAM CWC States Parties and China emphasize once again that the objectives of the Convention can be best addressed through multilaterally negotiated, universal, comprehensive and non- discriminatory agreements by all CWC States Parties.We reiterate our conviction that facilitation of and participation in the fullest possible exchanges and enhance international cooperation in the field of peaceful chemical activities, aimed at facilitating economic and social development, is a vital element in strengthening implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

The Chemical Weapons Convention: Ten Years in Force

The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) will enter its tenth year of implementation on 29 April 2007. This tenth anniversary provides CWC States Parties a very visible opportunity to renew their commitment to the CWC purpose, the abolition of an entire category of weapons of mass destruction.

International Cooperation, Assistance and Protection, and Implementation Support

Fifth regional meeting of National Authorities in Latin America and the Caribbean, La Paz, Bolivia, March 2004



Exercises on assistance and protection against chemical weapons in Chile

The OPCW has developed a wide range of international cooperation, implementation support and chemical weapons protection-related programmes. Through extensive consultations with Member States and their National Authorities, these programmes have been tailored to directly address the needs and priorities of the Latin American and Caribbean States. A general overview of the period since Entry into Force of the Chemical Weapons Convention (29 April 1997) is provided below.

The Associate Programme, which aims to enhance capacity building, industry-related national implementation of the Convention and the promotion of safety and good practice in chemical manufacturing, has benefited 25 experts from Latin American and Caribbean States since the Programme's inception in 2000.

The Analytical Skills Development Course seeks to assist qualified analytical chemists to gain further experience and expand their practical knowledge in the analysis of chemicals related to the national implementation of the CWC. Twenty chemists from Latin America and the Caribbean have benefited from this course.

The Conference Support Programme facilitates scientific and technical information exchange by providing financial support for the organisation of conferences, workshops and seminars on special topics relevant to the Convention and assists experts to participate in such events. Since 1997, 188 Latin American and Caribbean participants have received support to attend these events. In addition, the Organisation sponsored 8 events in this region.

The Programme for Support of Research Projects provides financial support for small-scale research projects in developing and transition economies to develop scientific and technical knowledge in the use of chemistry for industrial, agricultural, research, medical and other peaceful purposes relevant to the Convention. Since Entry into Force, 104 projects in Latin America and the Caribbean States have benefited from this programme.

The Internship Support Programme offers scientists and engineers working in research institutions and laboratories in developing and transition economy countries the opportunity a short period of internship in an advanced research institution to carry out study, research or to gain more experience in areas which are relevant to the Convention. Six applicants from Latin America and the Caribbean have thus far participated in the Internship programme.

The Laboratory Assistance Programme endeavours to improve the technical competence of laboratories engaged in chemical analysis and monitoring. Since 1997, twelve laboratories in the region has benefited from this programme.

The Equipment Exchange Programme helps in the transfer of used and functional equipment from institutions in industrialized countries to publicly funded laboratories and other academic institutions in developing countries. Nineteen such transfers have been undertaken to OPCW Member States in this region.

The complexity of the Convention has a direct impact on Member States’ ability to implement the Convention.The Secretariat provides practical support to Member States in their national application of the CWC, and assists them to enhance the administrative and expert capacities of their National Authorities. More than 600 participants from Latin American and Caribbean States have attended OPCW-sponsored National Authority events, including courses, meetings and thematic workshops.

In total, around 500 participants from Latin America and the Caribbean have attended workshops and training courses in the field of Assistance and Protection since 1997. Colombia, Uruguay have benefited from national capacity building projects. A number of regional workshops and courses were organised for all GRULAC countries in Chile, Colombia and Peru. Mexico, Costa Rica and Peru hosted technical visits to assess their current national emergency response systems. In total, over 1,200 participants from this region have attended events organized by the OPCW's International Cooperation and Assistance Division.

Calendar for 2007

In 2007, the following OPCW international and regional activities that are relevant to Latin America and the Caribbean will take place. Please note that this information is subject to change. For the latest information, please visit the Calendar page of the OPCW website. The Technical Secretariat notes referenced below are also available on the OPCW website.

Regional status of participation in the CWC. The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on the maps do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the OPCW.

Regional status of participation in the Chemical Weapons Convention

As at 6 April 2007, the OPCW numbers 182 Member States, including 31 in Latin America and the Caribbean.

For the latest update on participation in the CWC, visit the OPCW website (www.opcw.org).

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on the maps do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the OPCW.

Colophon

Latin America and the Caribbean
and the OPCW
6th edition | March 2007
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