Topic: Re-Evaluating the Chemical Weapons Convention
Country: Estonia
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Estonia position papers GLIMUN 2017 committees
Chemical weapons have become the definition of destruction in humanity, that intentionally cause harm to humans or animals and with the progression of chemistry the line between chemical and biological weapons become blurred and the destruction of those weapons also become thin. Making the too narrow definition of chemical weapons unclear. The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) established in 1997 to fight this type of crime against humanity. Declared chemical weapons to all state and non-state members as prohibited in the development, production, acquisition, storage, retention, and transfer of chemical weapons. But, for the most part many countries like Syria and North Korea violated this agreement as a means to fight the war in the Syrian Civil War and kill Kim Jong-un; half- brother of North Korea’s leader. In addition, as another means to control chemical weapons, the CWC destroyed over 90 percent of knowing chemical weapons stockpiles. Though, the CWC is struggling as time goes on to regain control of chemical weapons and chemical weapons uses.
In the foreground, with chemical weapons attack in Syria on its own civilians, Estonia; a state party of the CWC and the Biological Weapons Convention.(BWC) believes in arms control as a means of security, therefore, supported the destruction of chemical weapons in Syria in 2017 for 50,000 euros. (Republic of Estonia Ministry of Foreign Affairs para. 3) But, in means of revenge Estonia favored the retaliation of Syria in 2017. (Vahtla para. 1) Overall, Estonia supports the implementation and guidelines authorized in the CWC agreement.
As means of addressing this issue, Estonia proposes the penalization of states and non-states for the violation of the CWC international law. Giving consequences could potentially prevent the those from breaking the agreement. Another, purpose is the CWC and BWC working as one since the line between one and the other is not definite as time and science progresses. All thing considered the the definition of chemical weapons can become more broader. Lastly, the BWC have states and non-states report the number of biological weapons and if they have been destroyed. Hence, the CWC has control of chemical weapons and potential chemical weapons in the hopes of reforming its laws.
