KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Day of Remembrance for all victims of chemical warfare is celebrated on 30th November every year to honour the victims of chemical warfare and to stress the deleterious effects it has on humankind.
In 2015 it was decided by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), that 29th April would be celebrated as the “International Day for the Foundation of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW Day)”
From 2016, the celebration of the Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare was shifted from 29th April to 30th November
The OPCW won the Nobel Peace Prize of 2013 for “its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons”
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
The Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare is observed on 30th November every year since 2016, before 2016 the day was observed on 29th April since the institution of the day in 2005. It is observed to, as is clear by the name, to remember and pay tribute to all the victims of Chemical Warfare and to reassert the commitment of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to put an end to the usage and possession of Chemical Weapons.
ORIGIN OF THE DAY
The OPCW was established by the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention, through Article VIII of the Convention. The Convention was adopted in 1993 and came into force on 29 April 1997.
It was on 11th November, 2005 (10th session) that the Conference of The States Parties of the Chemical Weapons Convention decided that a Day of Remembrance for all victims of Chemical warfare should be observed each year. The date that was agreed upon was 29th April because the Chemical Weapons Convention came into force on this day in 1997.
In the 20th session of the Conference held in 2015, it was decided that 29th April will now be designated as the International Day for the Foundation of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and that the Day of Remembrance for all victims of chemical warfare will be held on 30th November each year. These changes were to commence in 2016.
SIGNIFICANCE
The day plays a crucial role in spreading awareness and educating people about the mishaps of using chemical weapons. It highlights the need for banning such equipment for human safety and promotes Global security by encouraging international collaboration of states to prevent the recurrence of such horror.
The day also puts an emphasis on being committed to the CWC, Chemical Weapons Convention by making sure that the states do not support any industries or laboratories creating chemical weapons or any innovation in the same.
CONCLUSION
The Day Of Remembrance For All Victims Of Chemical Warfare Serves as a reminder of the lethal impact of chemical weapons. By reflecting upon the enormity and supporting humanitarian values, we grow closer to a world free from chemical warfare and the endowment of security.
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