H.E. Mrs Esther Rabasa Grau, Permanent Representative of the Principality of Andorra to the OPCW, and Ambassador Fernando Arias, OPCW Director General
THE HAGUE, Netherlands—30 November 2022—The Government of Andorra has voluntarily contributed €10,000 to two trust funds of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW): the Trust Fund for the International Support Network for Victims of Chemical Weapons and the Trust Fund for Training.
Half of the contribution, €5,000, will be allocated to support activities of the International Support Network for Victims of Chemical Weapons, which was established in 2011 by the Conference of the States Parties. OPCW Member States can support the Network by providing medical treatment to victims of chemical warfare in their countries, organising events to raise awareness of issues related to victims of chemical weapons, or exchanging best practice related to treatment of chemical weapons victims.
The other half of Andorra’s voluntary contribution, €5,000, will be used to support training activities at the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (Chem Tech Centre). The Centre will strengthen the OPCW’s capabilities to keep pace with the rapid development of science and technology for the better implementation of the Convention.
The contributions were formalised on Thursday, 24 November, during a ceremony between Ambassador Esther Rabasa Gra, Permanent Representative of the Principality of Andorra to the OPCW and the OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Fernando Arias.
“After three years contributing to the Chem Tech Centre, with a total amount of €16,000, Andorra wishes to show its commitment to this project by helping to carry out training activities of the Centre,” said Ambassador Esther Rabasa Gra, Permanent Representative of the Principality of Andorra to the OPCW.
“Andorra also continues to support the essential work of the International Support Network for Victims of Chemical Weapons,” she added.
“I am grateful for the Government of Andorra’s contribution. Our collective ability to deal with the threat of chemical weapons attacks, address future challenges, and prevent others from falling victim to these abhorrent weapons,” said OPCW Director-General, Ambassador Fernando Arias.
Background
Andorra has been an active member of the OPCW since 2003.
As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Convention’s entry into force in 1997, it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.
Over 99% of all declared chemical weapon stockpiles have been destroyed under OPCW verification. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.