Accord

The Chemical Weapons Accord is a global peace programme that aims to eradicate chemical weapons.

We aim to promote the development of proactive peace practices in the following core areas outlined.

Introduction

1. This accord is made pursuant of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and is intended to inform the general public of the steps needed to end the development, production, stockpiling and use of chemical weapons.

2. The ICWU understands that we all have a responsibility to take a robust approach to end chemical weapons. This accord intends to demonstrate the progressive approach in actions that people and organisations can make, a commitment to understanding factors ascertaining to the resurgence of chemical weapons, and to minimise chemical weapon practices.

3. Chemical weapons are very destructive, capable of killing, injuring, and incapacitating huge numbers of people in a relatively short period of time. International law prohibits the use of chemical weapons, whose consequences may be catastrophic not just to the immediate victims but also to whole towns and even nations. The use of chemical weapons is considered a breach of human rights and a war crime. Chemical weapons have been less prevalent throughout time, but they continue to represent a substantial danger to national security and human safety.

4. Chemical weapons are a crime and a violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. There are many forms of activities, such as the development, production, acquisition, retention and transference of toxic chemicals and their precursors. These actions must meet the standards set out under the relevant part of the CWC Verification Annex.

5. The employment of chemical weapons is not restricted to armed conflict; they may also be used in terrorist strikes. In recent years, the danger of terrorist organisations using chemical weapons has escalated. In response to this growing threat, it has become more vital to educate the public about the hazards of chemical weapons and the protective precautions they may take.

6. This accord is intended to describe the necessity for chemical weapons education, the accord’s scope, and the means that will be utilised to educate the public on the hazards and effects of chemical weapons. This accord intends to guarantee that, in addition to law enforcement personnel, the general population is provided with the information required to avoid and react to chemical weapons strikes.

Necessity

7. Since World War I, the employment of chemical weapons in combat has posed a significant danger to human safety and security. Chemical weapons are unique in their potential to inflict severe physical injury to the human body and leave behind long-lasting psychological and environmental repercussions. Educating the public about the consequences of chemical weapons and how to react in the case of a chemical strike is crucial.

8. Chemical weapons are capable of causing huge fatalities, disrupting vital services, and causing fear and confusion. In addition, they endanger the environment and public safety since poisonous compounds may pollute large regions. In addition to causing long-term health issues, chemical weapons may cause cancer, lung ailments, and nervous system difficulties.

9. Chemical attacks have repercussions that extend beyond the immediate victims. Community-wide and perhaps worldwide repercussions are possible. For instance, a terrorist attack including the use of chemical weapons in a heavily populated region may lead to diplomatic problems between the nations responsible for the assault and the country where the incident happened.

10. Given the extensive damage that chemical weapons are capable of causing, there is a need for chemical weapons education to avoid their use and reduce damage in the event that they are used. The public must understand what chemical weapons are, how they operate, and how to protect themselves from their effects.

Objectives

11. This accord applies to all persons and entities within the state’s authority. This comprises educational institutions, government agencies, organisations from the corporate and public sectors, and civilian groups. The purpose of the accord is to promote public awareness of the hazards of chemical weapons and to give information on the most effective ways to react to chemical strikes.

The accord has the following major components:

• Best practises for citizens: This includes training and instructions for citizens on how to react to a chemical weapons strike, including how to identify the agent used and provide medical treatment to those impacted.
• Preventive measures: This section includes information on the steps that may be done to avoid the use of chemical weapons against civilians, such as advocating international treaties and criminalising the use and production of chemical weapons.
• Response and recovery: This section includes instructions on how to respond to a chemical assault, such as evacuating the affected area and obtaining medical care. It also includes steps for cleaning and decontaminating the area following an assault.

Operations & Advocacy

12. International law prohibits the use of chemical weapons, and governments have stringent regulations and procedures in place to prevent and react to their use. Citizens may have a part in recognising and responding to chemical weapons by promptly notifying law enforcement and emergency services of any suspicious behaviour or symptoms associated with exposure to chemical agents.

13. Citizens should also be aware of the possible dangers posed by chemical weapons and take precautions to protect themselves and their family, such as wearing a gas mask or stocking emergency catastrophe kits with the necessary protective gear. It is essential to adhere to official instructions from authorities and not try to handle or dispose of any suspected chemical agents on your own.

14. Citizens have a significant role to play in avoiding and reacting to the use of chemical weapons, but they must do so in line with official authorities and in accordance with established regulations and procedures.

15. I am committed to ensuring that operations supporting chemical weapons are not taking place in any part of my actions or associated supply chain. I am committed to protecting and respecting human rights across my activities and will take reasonable and appropriate steps to influence others to ensure chemical weapons practices are not taking place, where it is possible to do so.

16. I agree to advocate the practice of ‘challenge inspections’, notifying the OPCW and member states of areas of potential non-compliance of the Chemical Weapons Convention and national legislation. Requesting that the member state in question must partake in a surprise inspection to ascertain if a breach has taken place, as well as promoting proactive mitigation practices.

17. I recognise the importance to oppose the use of riot control agents as a method of warfare, actively reporting and standing against these instances.

18. Procurement plans will includes principles and approaches to guarantee ethical sourcing, such as sustainable procurement, fairly and ethically manufactured items, fair working procedures, as well as distancing oneself from organisations/individuals involved in chemical weapons practices.

Identifying & Mitigating Potential Risk

19. The risk of chemical weapons in my direct and local activities will be actively considered. I recognise the potential risks linked to the supply chain of goods and services across the world. A large portion of goods are bought through collaborative contracts, and I will do what I can to ensure that chemical weapons activities are addressed during their procurement processes, as well as in my own.

20. I understand the implementation environment for the state considered, particularly the function of the coordinating National Authority. I have a knowledge of the legislative framework, the associated implementations process, the state’s security situation, the types of toxic chemicals, the formation of its chemical industry, as well as the readiness for a chemical incident or attack.

21. I will act as a critical friend to ensure the adoption of best practices from all national stakeholders, such as those in the chemical industry, enforcement agencies, response agencies, relevant government agencies, in addition to other community stakeholders.

22. I shall inform a National Authority of any potential gaps in implementation detected, considering any social, political, environmental, and macroeconomic aspects. National implementing laws, chemical safety and security, economic and technical growth, national inspections, education initiatives and outreach activities may all be areas of focus.

23. I will promote scientific research into the peaceful applications of chemistry, including information and equipment exchange. My efforts are dedicated to tackling broad and interconnected topics, to foster beneficial interactions between the scientific and policymaking communities.

Preventative Measures

24. The use of chemical weapons presents a grave and intolerable danger to international security and human decency.

The following preventive actions should be done to avoid the use and spread of chemical weapons: 

• Implement and implement international accords and treaties, including the Chemical Weapons Convention and its protocols. 
• Strengthen international monitoring and verification procedures to identify chemical weapons use and prevent their deployment.
• Promote education and awareness on the hazards and effects of chemical weapon usage. 
• Increase international collaboration and information sharing to prevent and react to any chemical attacks. 
• Provide impacted communities with assistance and services, including medical treatment and psychological help. 
• Develop and deploy effective chemical attack response strategies. 
• Conduct research and development on developing technologies for chemical defence and response. 
• Considered responsible investment approaches in line with socially and environmentally progressive values. Considering a range of environmental, social and governance issues that inform upon any potential exposure to chemical weapons practices.

By taking these preventive steps, the international community may collaborate to prevent the use and spread of chemical weapons, defend the safety and security of individuals, and preserve human dignity and international law.

Response & Recovery

25. Ensure measures are made to react and recover swiftly and efficiently from events involving chemical weapons. In support of the approval and execution of the necessary actions listed below:

• Prevention – Work to prevent chemical weapon occurrences by encouraging global disarmament initiatives and pushing for the Chemical Weapons Convention Treaty’s implementation.
• Establishing accurate detection and identification systems able to identify chemical substances in real-time. Early detection will allow for prompt intervention and a quicker recovery.
• Response — In the event of a chemical weapon occurrence, a thorough and coordinated national response is required. Priority should be given to the safety of citizens, first responders, and impacted staff throughout the response. Included in the response operations are emergency medical assistance, evacuation, and decontamination measures.
• Recovery – Supporting the long-term recovery of impacted individuals and communities. The emphasis of recovery activities must be on medical care, psychological assistance, and community reconstruction.
• International Cooperation — Promote cooperation with other nations, international organisations, and civil society to improve chemical weapon response and recovery measures.

Education & Awareness

26. Awareness of chemical weapons practices is a subject matter that I am cognisant of. I will look to identify evidence of potential activities and can take measures to escalate where necessary.

27. To stay appropriately informed about the hazards of chemical weapons, a variety of dissemination strategies will be considered. These techniques may consist of the following:

• Staying informed via radio and television advertisements, social media, and other forms of public awareness initiatives. Through these efforts, information on the hazards of chemical weapons, preventative measures, and reaction strategies may be conveyed.
• Educational institutions may establish curriculum that outline the impacts of chemical weapons, their history, and the methods for preventing and responding to their use.
• Training programmes: Training programmes on chemical weapons practices is something that I will continue to participate in, to keep abreast of emerging trends. These programmes should involve training on how to identify and react to an attack using chemical weapons.
• Outreach programmes: Outreach programmes may be designed to educate local populations about the hazards of chemical weapons and the steps they can take to protect themselves in the event of an attack. This may involve public meetings, seminars, and other events.
• Private sector firms such as chemical makers and transporters may play a vital role in educating the public about the hazards of chemical weapons via public-private collaborations.