Conference Resolution
Extracted from RC-1/3, 9 May 2003.
Agenda item 7(b): Measures to ensure the universality of the Chemical Weapons Convention
7.11 The First Review Conference stressed the importance of universal adherence by all States to the Convention, and of full compliance by all States Parties with all the provisions and requirements of the Convention. The First Review Conference was convinced that universality and full compliance by all States Parties with all the provisions of the Convention are necessary to the achievement of the global ban on chemical weapons. Universal adherence to, and full implementation of, the Convention will contribute to the global anti-terrorist effort and strengthen the security of all states.
7.12 The First Review Conference recognised that the Convention has made considerable progress towards universality since its entry into force, with the number of States Parties now at 151. The First Review Conference noted with concern, however, that there remain a total of 43 States not Party to the Convention, including 25 signatory states and 18 non-signatory states. The First Review Conference recalled, in particular, that among the States not Party are some whose non-adherence to the Convention is a cause for serious concern. The First Review Conference recalled that it has reviewed progress towards universality at its past annual sessions, and repeatedly adopted decisions urging all states that have neither ratified nor acceded to the Convention to do so without delay.
7.13 The First Review Conference acknowledged the efforts made by the OPCW to promote universality, in the form, inter alia, of regional seminars, implementation workshops, and bilateral visits and discussions arranged by the Secretariat, with the cooperation and support of States Parties. The First Review Conference recognised that the efforts to achieve universality must coincide with the achievement of full implementation by all States Parties of their obligations under the Convention. The First Review Conference noted with particular concern information indicating that a large number of States Parties had not fulfilled, either in whole or in part, basic obligations associated with national implementation measures.
7.14 The First Review Conference was convinced that progress achieved towards universality is a reflection of the credibility and validity of, and of the global support for, the principles upon which the Convention is based.
7.15 The First Review Conference underlined that there are important political, economic, and security benefits of becoming a State Party to the Convention. The First Review Conference recognised the positive effect of international cooperation among the States Parties on universality. Furthermore, their desire for increased security and their determination to participate fully in the global community were incentives for them to adhere to the Convention. The First Review Conference also recalled that States that remain outside the Convention would not be able to take advantage of the benefits that the Convention offers the States Parties.
7.16 The First Review Conference urged all States that have neither ratified nor acceded to the Convention to do so without delay. The First Review Conference called upon the States Parties and the Director-General to continue to encourage all States not Party, and in particular those whose absence has given rise to particular concern, to ratify or accede to the Convention without delay. The First Review Conference encouraged States Parties to promote the achievement of the common objectives of the Convention in order to encourage other countries to join the Convention.
7.17 The First Review Conference considered that future universality efforts should be supported by the expansion of bilateral, regional, and appropriate measures on the part of States Parties and the Secretariat. These efforts should take into account factors for non-accession, in a manner that does not encourage delay.
7.18 The First Review Conference recommended that the Council, with the cooperation of the Secretariat, develop and implement a plan of action to further encourage, in a systematic and coordinated manner, adherence to the Convention and to assist States ready to join the Convention in their national preparations to implement it.
7.19 The First Review Conference also noted that more than one-fifth of States Parties had lost their voting privileges in the OPCW due to arrears in payment of their financial contributions. The First Review Conference urged States Parties and the Secretariat to consider all diplomatic measures to facilitate greater implementation and participation by all States Parties.