The Biological Weapons Convention, adopted on 10 April 1972 and in force since 26 March 1975, was the first multilateral disarmament treaty banning an entire category of weapons of mass destruction. With 185 States Parties, the BWC has established an unequivocal norm against biological weapons, while also facilitating assistance, international cooperation and capacity-building on matters such as biological science and technology, as well as preparedness and response to deliberate biological threats.
The workshop is organized in the framework of the project 'Supporting Universalization and Effective Implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention in Africa (2022-2026)', funded by the Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction.
The project aims to increase BWC membership and enhance its implementation in the African Region by
promoting universalization of the Convention in Africa,
providing assistance for the development of BWC implementing legislation,
supporting the preparation and submission of Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs), and
facilitating the establishment or designation of National Contact Points (NCPs).
