The OPCW and Government of the Republic of South Africa hosted a five-day basic course for personnel of National Authorities in Africa involved in the national implementation of the CWC, which was held in Tshwane from 22 to 26 September 2008.
The training course was intended to assist regional States Parties to effectively comply with their obligations under the Convention, and designed to increase national capacities for fulfilling the objectives set out in the Article VII action plan. It was conducted under the aegis of the OPCW Programme to Strengthen Cooperation with Africa and as such was the first to be held at a regional level in Africa.
Presentations were given on the CWC’s history, general obligations and status of implementation. Participants were provided information on the role of the National Authority in implementing the Convention, on the rights and obligations of States Parties, and on the elements of comprehensive national implementing legislation. Several table-top exercises on Article VI declarations and other hands-on training activities were included. The full programme covered:
- drafting and enactment of national implementing legislation;
- declarations and verification provisions of the CWC;
- classification of chemical weapons;
- scheduled chemicals;
- Declaration Handbook;
- identification of declarable Article VI facilities;
- monitoring of the import and export of Scheduled chemicals; and
- role of specialised authorities in implementing the CWC.