Biological Weapons Convention
Biological Weapons Convention
The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC, pronounced: /baɪəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈwɛpənz kənˈvɛnʃən/), officially known as the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction, is an international treaty that aims to ban the use of biological and toxin weapons in warfare.
Etymology
The term "Biological Weapons Convention" is derived from the nature of the treaty, which focuses on prohibiting the use of weapons that utilize biological agents. The term "convention" is used in the context of international law to refer to a formal agreement between states.
History
The Biological Weapons Convention was opened for signature on 10 April 1972 and entered into force on 26 March 1975. It was the first multilateral disarmament treaty to ban an entire category of weapons.
Provisions
The BWC prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of biological and toxin weapons. It also encourages the peaceful use of microbiology and biotechnology.
Verification
The BWC lacks a formal verification regime to monitor compliance. This has been a point of contention and negotiation among states parties to the convention.
See also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Biological Weapons Convention
- Wikipedia's article - Biological Weapons Convention
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