Statement by the Delegation of Brazil at the UNSC meeting on Threats to International Peace and Security - March 18th, 2022

Mr. President,

Fifty years ago, we adopted the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), determined, for the sake of humanity, to exclude completely the possibility of biological agents and toxins being used as weapons. We took that important step, and I quote the Convention, “convinced that such use would be repugnant to the conscience of humankind and that no effort should be spared to minimize this risk”.

Today, for the second time in a week, we gather here to once again discuss serious allegations regarding development, production and stockpiling of such abhorrent weapons. As I stated last Friday, Brazil believes that accusations of such gravity must be thoroughly substantiated by solid evidence, which must be presented to and confirmed by an independent and impartial authority, as foreseen in Article VI of the BWC.

Brazil has long favored the negotiation of a multilateral verification protocol as an integrated part of the BWC,  in order to guarantee comprehensive and reliable protection and security against emerging biological threats. The situation before the Council today only reinforces the urgency and the necessity to establish such a mechanism.

Mr. President,

Brazil looks forward to the convening of BWC’s 9th Review Conference. We need to re-start negotiations on strengthening the BWC regime, including by establishing a verification protocol. This will also be an opportunity to deepen discussions on biosafety and biosecurity. Brazil is of the view that legitimate scientific and technological research should be kept distinct and separate from possible violations of the prohibition against the development and production of biological weapons if we wish to preserve the BWC regime. therefore, research into new and dangerous pathogens should be subject to strict transparency mechanisms.

Finally, I would like to reiterate what I said last week: Brazil condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the use or threat of use of all weapons of mass destruction, including biological and chemical weapons, anywhere, by anyone, under any circumstances.

I thank you, Mr. President.