

At 50, biological weapons treaty is an international success story
Apr 5, 2025
Daniel Feakes, the Head of the Biological Weapons Convention unit at the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs, discusses the significance of the Biological Weapons Convention, which celebrated its 50th anniversary. He highlights its role in banning biological arms and the challenges it faces, such as the absence of an enforcement mechanism. Feakes also explores the treaty's historical roots, noting the Cold War collaboration that led to its inception, and emphasizes the ongoing need for international cooperation to address contemporary biological threats.
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BWC Origins
- The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) was negotiated in Geneva in the late 1960s.
- It comprehensively bans biological warfare, showing nations could unite despite Cold War tensions.
Key Negotiation Moments
- The UK initially proposed the BWC in 1968, leading to discussions in the Conference on Disarmament.
- The US and USSR's agreement on identical drafts significantly accelerated the negotiation process.
BWC's Relevance
- Despite geopolitical shifts, the BWC remains relevant, highlighting the global consensus against biological weapons.
- Even during tense times, nations can agree on this crucial issue, as seen in the 2022 review conference.