Briefing Paper

Enhancing the Role of the OPCW in Building Africa’s Capacity to Prevent the Misuse of Toxic Chemicals

“The need to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) is an accepted norm amongst virtually all African States – albeit without hampering the peaceful use of nuclear, biological and
chemical materials. Africa’s position, like that of most, if not all, of the developing world, is clear. There needs to be a balance between security and development – that while being fully committed to ensuring the security of nuclear (and other radioactive), biological and chemical materials, this
must be done without undermining international cooperation in the peaceful uses of such material, and without impeding the continued delivery of the developmental benefits provided by such materials and related applications.”