The Government of the Republic of Korea and the OPCW jointly organised the ninth regional assistance and protection course for Asian States Parties, which was held from 27 to 31 May 2013 in Seoul with the support of the CBRN Training Centre. The course was attended by 20 experts from 13 States Parties* in the region.
The course offered a basic introduction to the use of protective equipment against toxic chemicals, and to monitoring, detection and decontamination techniques. Participants acquired a general knowledge of chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals, of individual protective equipment, and of detection and decontamination equipment, as well as an understanding of how all of the equipment is used. The course also facilitated an exchange of information and experiences among the participants regarding implementation of Article X of the Chemical Weapons Convention
The classroom work was complemented by a demonstration of a chemical emergency response by the Korean army, and with an exhibition of protection, detection and decontamination systems by manufacturers and distributors.
* Afghanistan, Fiji, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Mongolia, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, Republic of Korea, Uzbekistan, Yemen.