50 Years of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention

Today, March 26, the half-century anniversary of the entry into force of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention is celebrated.

In its first fifty years, the Convention has contributed decisively to preventing biological weapons from being incorporated into military doctrines or used in theaters of war. Although it does not yet have verification mechanisms, the Convention is upheld by the strength of the norm, the highest moral standard, and the political will of the international community. New risks require that national and international bodies remain up to date with the ongoing scientific transformation.

Under Brazil’s presidency, the Working Group on Strengthening the Convention is making progress in negotiating recommendations to consolidate this instrument, including mechanisms for international cooperation and assistance and for monitoring scientific and technological developments.

In times of increasing biological risks, Brazil will continue working to strengthen the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention.