Joint NGO statement questions lack of resources for Biological Weapons Convention, highlights importance of engagement

A collection of more than 40 individuals and non-governmental organizations have endorsed a joint NGO statement to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), following its 2018 Meeting of States Parties and first annual Global Forum on Scientific Advances Important to the BWC.

That statement began by lauding the growing membership of the BWC but found the organization to be in a “precarious” state, most notably for a financial situation its members found critical.

“The inactions of a few must not be allowed to jeopardise the efforts of the many, who do take their financial commitments to the BWC seriously,” the statement said, identifying Brazil, Venezuela, Nigeria, Libya and Argentina as the states parties that collectively account for more than three quarters of the Convention’s overall debt.

Signatories further criticized unnamed parties for using the BWC as a venue for political statements — something they said would be better addressed in other forums, as they distract from the Convention’s focus. As threats surrounding biological weapons from other countries see a resurgence, the letter encouraged those concerned to use proper channels for reporting and consultation, as well as the need to implement Article VII, requiring states to initiate requests for assistance in cases of exposure to biological dangers via violations of the BWC. Going forward, continued engagement with the scientific community will be essential.

This year’s meeting was held Dec. 3 in Geneva, Switzerland, allowing scientists, policymakers and BWC delegations to address advances in biology and biotechnology and their impact on biological weapons policy, with panels formed to highlight and discuss these impacts.