The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which entered into force in 1997, is an international treaty which prohibits the development, production, stockpiling, transfer and use of chemical weapons and also stipulates their timely destruction.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is the implementing body for the CWC. Its activities include monitoring the implementation status of States Parties, conduct of on-site verification measures and the provision of a forum for consultation and co-operation amongst States Parties.

The OPCW consists of three principal organs:

• The Conference of States Parties (CSP) is the principal decision-making body, which comprises of representatives from each State Party.
• The Executive Council (EC) reports to the CSP and promotes the effective implementation of the Convention.
• The Technical Secretariat (TS) is responsible for assisting the CSP and EC in the performance of their functions. It also oversees the verification aspect of the Convention through monitoring declarations and inspections.

More information on the OPCW