Explanation of Vote by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador João Genésio de Almeida Filho, at the UNSC meeting on the Biological Weapons Convention - Action - BWC Article VI - November 2nd, 2022

Mr. President,

As my delegation indicated at our last meeting on the subject, on 27 October, we take note of the complaint presented by the Russian Federation to the Security Council in accordance with Article 6 of the Biological Weapons Convention.

Brazil participated in the formal consultations held in Geneva from 5 to 9 September under Article 5 of the BWC. On the occasion, Russia presented its concerns regarding alleged biological activities developed jointly by the United States and Ukraine in Ukrainian territory. The parties to the Convention also listened to the comments of both countries on the Russian queries.

Having considered the documents made available by the Russian Federation and bearing in mind the discussions held in Geneva, Brazil believes that, at the moment, the necessary conditions for the initiation of investigations under Article VI of the BWC have not been met.

Brazil reiterates its commitment to the resumption of negotiations toward the adoption of a binding verification protocol that strengthens the implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention regarding the exclusively peaceful use of knowledge and technology in the field of Life Sciences. The situation before the Council today only reinforces the necessity of establishing such a mechanism. The next BWC Review Conference represents an opportunity for us to re-engage in such discussions without delay.

While such a protocol is not adopted, we call upon States Parties to strengthen the mechanisms of transparency and confidence building available under the framework of the convention by sharing the broadest possible range of information regarding research projects on topics related to the object of the Convention.

I thank you.