Today marks the 50th anniversary of the entry into force of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) – the first multilateral disarmament treaty to ban an entire category of weapons of mass destruction. As a founder of the convention, and for 50 years since, the UK has been at the forefront of efforts to ensure its effectiveness and collective action to eliminate the threat from biological weapons.
The BTWC’s role in preventing biological agents and toxins from being developed, produced, or used as weapons has been a critical element in our collective security over the last 50 years.
The BTWC’s call to action is that “no effort should be spared to minimise this risk.” This is as important now as it was 50 years ago. Threats posed by biological weapons have evolved and diversified. Rapid advances in science and technology offer potential benefits for societies but may also increase the threats posed by those intending to misuse the life sciences for hostile purposes.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the devastating impacts that an infectious disease outbreak can have on our societies and economies. It revealed significant gaps in global preparedness and response. It is in every country’s interest that the BTWC is effective and that its prohibitions continue to be upheld.
This requires collective action through the Convention. We need to strengthen international cooperation and review science and technology, as well as agree on stronger verification mechanisms to address potential risks. The current Working Group on the strengthening of the Convention provides an important way to achieve this. The UK fully supports the Brazilian Chair of the Working Group, Ambassador Frederico Meyer.
The UK remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthen the BTWC and its implementation for the next 50 years and beyond. We call on all governments that have not yet joined the convention to do so without delay. Through collective action, we can prevent the use of these abhorrent weapons that violate every principle of humanity.
