Honourable Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Natangwe Ithete, distinguished delegates, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you – on behalf of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) – to this Regional Conference on Advancing CWC Implementing Legislation in Africa.
I would like to thank our hosts, the Government of Namibia and the National Authority in particular, for their warm hospitality, kind support, and outstanding cooperation in making this Conference a reality.
Distinguished delegates,
Your presence here is evidence of the commitment of your countries to the Chemical Weapons Convention.
The States Parties represented here share a mutual understanding that a world free of chemical weapons can only be achieved if all countries implement the Convention and fulfil their obligations.
The Convention entered into force almost exactly 28 years ago, on 29 April 1997.
It is the most widely-adhered to disarmament treaty, with 193 States Parties – all of whom have undertaken never to develop, produce, stockpile or use chemical weapons.
Since entry into force, we have made extraordinary progress toward our shared goal.
In July 2023, the OPCW reached a pivotal milestone with the completion of the destruction of all chemical weapons stockpiles declared by possessor States Parties.
This was a historic accomplishment for the Organisation, for international disarmament, and for multilateralism.
However, this only completes the first part of the OPCW’s mandate.
We are now firmly established in what is known as the post-destruction phase, where our focus is on preventing the re-emergence of chemical weapons.
As we pursue our mission, we do so in an increasingly fragile security environment.
Today, the international disarmament architecture is under unprecedented pressure.
At the same time, we are facing new and emerging threats that test our capacity and challenge our determination.
Use and threat of use of chemical weapons remain.
In the past decade chemical weapons have been used in Iraq, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, the Syrian Arab Republic and the Russian Federation.
In Syria we have been working diligently to eliminate its chemical weapons programme for more than ten years.
Since the establishment of the new Syrian transitional government, we have redoubled our efforts to engage with the new authorities and assist in identifying and securing any remaining chemical weapons in the country.
In the ongoing war in Ukraine, there are allegations of use of chemical weapons by both sides – Ukraine and the Russian Federation.
At Ukraine’s request, we are strengthening the capacity of Ukrainian first responders and investigators to deal with use of chemical weapons.
Another particular concern for the OPCW and the international community is chemical terrorism.
We continue to face the threat of chemical weapons falling into the hands of non-state actors.
These persistent threats are compounded by the emergence of new technologies.
Cloud laboratories, synthetic biology, drones, and 3D printing all lower the technological barriers preventing terrorists and others from acquiring and using chemical weapons.
Artificial intelligence and quantum computing accelerate these developments and increase their impact.
The OPCW continues to work to ensure that we can effectively adapt and respond to the potential misuse of rapidly advancing technologies.
Our first and most important line of defence against these challenges is comprehensive and robust implementation of the Convention.
That is why your presence here today is so important.
Distinguished delegates,
Strong implementing legislation is key in preserving the global norm against chemical weapons, and preventing their re-emergence.
In the 28 years since the Convention entered into force, 128 of the 193 States Parties have enacted implementing legislation covering all of what we call “initial measures”.
This is a fundamental step to effectively implement the Convention at country level.
Such legislation is vital for our common preventive efforts.
It is also essential in enabling a holistic response to the use of chemical weapons should the worst occur.
And for holding those responsible to account.
By closing any legal gaps and loopholes, States Parties strengthen their ability to fulfil these tasks.
Among the five regions into which OPCW Member States are grouped, Africa unfortunately ranks last when it comes to legislation. And this has to change.
Only 48% of African States Parties have enacted relevant national legislation.
There are still 27 African States Parties with no or only partial legislation implementing their obligations.
This is of particular concern.
More than half of the African States Parties could unknowingly become safe havens for illicit and prohibited activities.
The citizens of these states are not well protected against the threat of chemical weapons.
Given the very challenging security situation in many African subregions, this situation demands quick and clear action, which is the reason we are here today.
Distinguished delegates,
The chemical industry in Africa is rapidly growing and diversifying.
Supply chains as well as imports and exports of chemicals are increasing, and are becoming more complex.
It is crucial that relevant authorities are fully in control of chemical materials coming in and out of their countries, including through transit.
Customs and border forces play a leading role in this context.
Legislation is required to empower them to exercise their authority in preventing illicit and prohibited activities.
Distinguished delegates, dear brothers and sisters,
Drafting implementing legislation, and advancing the adoption process, can be a challenging task, as many of you are experiencing first hand.
The aim of this Conference is to provide you with an opportunity for open and direct exchanges on some of these challenges, and to explore how to achieve progress.
The Secretariat is ready to engage with you and support you.
In the past months, we have reviewed excellent draft legislation from African States Parties.
What is needed now is for your countries, your governments, to prioritise this critical legislation, and to take the initiative towards adoption.
It is a long journey that requires commitment to maintain momentum.
It is a journey that involves a large number of stakeholders and decision-makers.
It is a journey whose completion requires persistence and stamina.
And you can be assured that the Secretariat will accompany and support you along the way.
Distinguished delegates,
Through this Conference, we seek to better understand your needs and priorities.
We hope to explore ideas for how best to strengthen our collaboration and ease the task before you.
I am confident that our discussions over the coming days will be fruitful, and will serve as a renewed basis for our joint endeavour to ensure a world free of chemical weapons.
In closing, I would like to thank the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Natangwe Ithete, for supporting this Conference and joining us here today.
I thank you all for your kind attention and wish you a productive and engaging Conference.