Every year on this day, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the international community pause to solemnly remember the victims of the Halabja attack.
On 16 March 1988, thousands of defenceless men, women and children were mercilessly killed in Halabja, Iraq, by the use of chemical weapons.
Many more sustained horrific lifelong injuries and trauma.
Nine years after the tragic chemical weapons attack, in 1997, the Chemical Weapons Convention (the Convention) entered into force.
All States Parties to the Convention solemnly and voluntary committed to never develop, produce, acquire stockpile, transfer or use chemical weapons.
We seize this opportunity to reflect on our collective efforts to avoid recurrence of the use of chemical weapons anywhere in the world.
From 65 countries in 1997, to 193 countries today, the Organisation's membership has expanded rapidly.
In July 2023, we completed the destruction of all declared chemical weapons stockpiles, representing a historic global achievement for international peace and security.
To date, we have conducted 4,786 inspections of chemical industry facilities.
This ensures that the most dangerous chemicals legitimately used by the industry are not diverted for malicious purposes.
In 2013, in recognition of the OPCW's achievements, the Organisation was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.
Regrettably, in recent years, the world has witnessed more victims of chemical weapons attacks in several places.
In the ongoing war in Ukraine, there is fear of use of chemical weapons.
The evolving political landscape in Syria provides an opportunity for the OPCW to complete the elimination of Syria's chemical weapons programme once for all and to participate in working towards accountability for the use of chemical weapons.
Even a single victim of chemical weapons, is one too many.
The OPCW's response to their use should serve as a deterrent to those who seek to acquire and use chemicals for harmful purposes.
In some cases, the Organisation has investigated allegations of use and identified perpetrators.
In others, we have assisted in identifying the toxic chemicals used.
We have also enhanced national capacity to protect citizens in case of chemical attacks or accidents.
In 2025 and beyond, we will continue to build on all our efforts to achieve a world free of chemical weapons for current and future generations.
The victims of the Halabja chemical weapons attack deserve no less.
