International Efforts to Mitigate
Biological Threats
Richard Lennane
Head, BWC Implementation Support Unit
United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs
(Geneva Branch)
UNITED NATIONS
BWC
OFFICE FOR DISARMAMENT AFFAIRS
SUPPORT UNIT
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
IMPLEMENTATION
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
International response to the BW threat
• 1925 Geneva Protocol
– Prohibits use of CW and BW in warfare
• 1972 Biological Weapons Convention
– Prohibits development, production, stockpiling, acquisition,
retention or transfer of BW
• 2004 UN Security Council Resolution 1540
– Requires all states to take measures to prevent WMD
(including BW) terrorism
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
BWC facts and figures
• Opened for signature in 1972; entered into
force in 1975
• Current membership:
– 163 States Parties
– 13 signatories
– 19 states neither signed nor ratified
• No BWC organisation or implementing
body (in contrast to CWC/OPCW,
NPT/IAEA, CTBT/CTBTO)
– Implementation Support Unit is new
development
• No verification mechanism (cf. CWC,
CTBT)
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
BWC: key provisions
Article I
Never under any circumstances to acquire or retain biological weapons
Article II
To destroy or divert to peaceful purposes biological weapons and
associated resources prior to joining
Article III
Not to transfer, or in any way assist, encourage or induce anyone else to
acquire or retain biological weapons
Article IV
To take any national measures necessary to implement the provisions of
the BWC domestically
Article V
To consult bilaterally and multilaterally to solve any problems with the
implementation of the BWC
Article VI
To request the UN Security Council to investigate alleged breaches of
the BWC and to comply with its subsequent decisions
Article VII
To assist States which have been exposed to a danger as a result of a
violation of the BWC
Article X
To do all of the above in a way that encourages the peaceful uses of
biological science and technology
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
Strengthening the BWC
• Review Conferences every five years
(1980, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006 –
next one in 2011)
• Confidence-building Measures (CBMs) introduced 1986,
expanded 1991
• Attempt to negotiate protocol from 1991-2001
• Failure in 2001 sparks crisis, reorientation
• 2006 Review Conference consolidates new direction
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
Sixth Review Conference (2006)
• Establishes Implementation
Support Unit
• New intersessional work program
2007-2010
• Calls on BWC States Parties to:
– implement appropriate transfer measures, including effective national
export controls
– take measures to ensure that relevant biological agents and toxins are
protected and safeguarded
– promote the development of training and education programs for those
working with relevant biological agents and toxins
– encourage development of codes of conduct and self-regulatory
mechanisms, and promote awareness among relevant professionals of the
need to report suspicious activities
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
New direction
• Focus on improving and coordinating national
implementation of BWC
• Annual work programme deals with specific topics;
exchange of technical expertise
• Range of different actors and organisations involved
• Implementation Support Unit coordinates activity
• Renewed focus on CBMs, universalization
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
The Spectrum of Biological Risk
Natural
disease
outbreak
Unintended
consequences
WHO
Accidents
Vandalism,
sabotage
Negligence
Deliberate
use of BW
BWC
“We must look at [the BWC] as part of an interlinked
array of tools, designed to deal with an interlinked
array of problems” – Kofi Annan, 2006
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
Biological threat reduction network
BWC
INTERPOL
SCR 1540
State
Professional
associations
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
OIE
WHO
FAO
Work
Program
ISU
Industry
State
Scientific
organisations
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
UNSCR Resolution 1540
• Adopted 2004, renewed 1673 (2006) and 1810 (2008)
– imposes binding obligations on all States to establish
domestic controls
– prevents proliferation of NCB weapons by establishing
controls over related materials
– encourages enhanced international cooperation
– promotes universal adherence to WMD treaties
• Committee under UN Security Council
• Supported by group of experts
• Committee maintains database on implementation
• Committee acts as a clearing house for assistance
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
1540: formal links to BWC
• Affirms “support for the multilateral treaties whose aim is to
eliminate or prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical or
biological weapons and the importance for all States parties to
these treaties to implement them fully in order to promote
international stability” (pp 5)
• Welcomes the non-proliferation commitments and efforts made
under these treaties, in particular in securing sensitive materials
(pp 6 &11)
• Calls on states to promote the universal adoption and full
implementation of the treaties (op 8)
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
BWC: formal links to 1540
• Sixth RevCon (2006) recognized the “contribution of full and
effective implementation of United Nations Security Council
Resolution 1540 by all states to assist in achieving the objectives
of this Convention”.
• Final Declaration on BWC Art. IV (national implementation)
also explicitly refers to Resolution 1540
– notes that information provided by states in accordance with
Resolution 1540 may provide a useful resource for fulfilling
their Art. IV obligations
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
Implementing SCR 1540
1. Reporting
• on steps taken and planned
• matrix for each state: analysis of requirements
2. Legislation and other measures
• Implementing legislation for WMD treaties (incl. BWC)
• Measures for accountability and security of sensitive materials; border
protection; export controls.
3. Enforcement
• Onus on states: monitored by 1540 Committee
• Promotion of dialogue and cooperation among governmental agencies
not traditionally in arms control
• Customs and law enforcement, eg, to improve border security
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
Assistance for 1540 implementation
• Where Next Steps/Action Plans indicate assistance
requirements, IGOs and States have assistance delivery
programs: eg, for legislation, training and equipment.
• Regional organizations, eg, ASEAN, OSCE, OAS, CIS, can
provide political support and forums for sharing experiences and
lessons learned; some NGOs can deliver specific project
assistance.
• 1540 Committee has clearing house role and can match
requests/offers.
• Assistance Template available on website (www.un.org/sc/1540)
to facilitate process.
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
Biological threat reduction network
BWC
INTERPOL
SCR 1540
State
Professional
associations
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
OIE
WHO
FAO
Work
Program
ISU
Industry
State
Scientific
organisations
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
BWC intersessional work program
• Mandate to “discuss, and promote common understanding
and effective action on” specific topics related to better
implementation of the BWC
• Runs from 2007 to 2010 (7th RevCon in 2011)
• Two meetings each year: Meeting of Experts mid-year;
Meeting of States Parties in December
• Wide range of participants: objective is sharing information
and experience, identifying best practices, improving
effectiveness of the BWC
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
BWC intersessional work program
BIOSAFETY & BIOSECURITY
OVERSIGHT, EDUCATION & OUTREACH
RESPONSE TO USE OR
THREAT OF USE
2007
2008
2009
2010
NATIONAL IMPLEMENTATION
REGIONAL ACTIVITIES
CAPACITY BUILDING FOR DISEASE
SURVEILLANCE, DETECTION,
DIAGNOSIS, AND CONTAINMENT
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
2008: common understandings: biosafety/biosecurity
COMPONENTS
TOOLS
CHARACTERISTICS
ASSISTANCE NEEDED
 Developing national
biosafety and
biosecurity frameworks
 Defining the role of
different national
agencies and bodies
 Building national,
regional and
international networks
of relevant stakeholders
 Taking better advantage
of assistance already
available
 Improving bilateral,
regional and
international
cooperation to build
relevant capacity
 Enhancing the role
played by the ISU
 Accreditation
 Certification
 Audit or licensing for
facilities, organisations
or individuals
 Training requirements
for staff members
 Mechanisms to check
qualifications, expertise
and training
 National criteria for
relevant activities
 National lists of relevant
agents, equipment and
other resources
Measures should:
 Be practical
 Be sustainable
 Be enforceable
 Be readily understood
 Be developed with
stakeholders
 Avoid unduly restricting
peaceful use
 Be adapted for local
needs
 Be appropriate for
agents being handled
 Be suitable for work
being undertaken
 Make use of risk
assessment,
management and
communication
approaches
 To enact and improve
relevant legislation
 To strengthen laboratory
infrastructure,
technology, security and
management
 To conduct courses and
provide training
 To help incorporate
biosafety and
biosecurity into existing
efforts to address
disease
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
2008: common understandings: oversight/awareness
OVERSIGHT
CHARACTERISTICS
EDUCATION & AWARENESS
RAISING COMPONENTS
NEXT STEPS FOR
CODES OF CONDUCT
Develop national oversight
frameworks:
• To prevent agents and toxins
being used as weapons
 To oversee relevant people,
materials, knowledge and
information
 To oversee the entire scientific
life cycle
 To cover private & public sectors
 That are proportional to risk
 That avoid unnecessary burdens
 That are practical and usable
 That do not unduly restrict
permitted activities
 With the involvement of
stakeholders in all stages of
design and implementation
 That can be harmonised
regionally and internationally
Formal requirements for seminars,
modules or courses in relevant
scientific education and training
programmes that:
 Explain the risks associated with
the malign use of biology
 Cover moral & ethical obligations
 Provide guidance on the types of
activities which could be
prohibited
 Are supported by accessible
teaching materials, seminars,
workshops, publications and
audio-visual materials
 Address leading scientists,
managers and future generations
of scientists
 Can be integrated into existing
national, regional and
international efforts
 Complement national legislative,
regulatory and oversight
frameworks
 Help guide science so it is not
used for prohibited purposes
 Further develop strategies to
encourage voluntary adoption of
codes
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
BWC intersessional program 2009
• Two meetings in Geneva:
– Meeting of Experts, 24-28 August 2009
– Meeting of States Parties, 7-11 December 2009
• Topic: “promoting capacity building in the fields
of disease surveillance, detection, diagnosis,
and containment of infectious diseases”
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
The Implementation Support Unit (ISU)
• “Help States Parties help themselves”
• Officially operational in August 2007
• Housed in Geneva Branch of UN Office for
Disarmament Affairs
• Funded by BWC States Parties
• Three full-time staff
• To be reviewed by Seventh Review
Conference in 2011
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
Mandate of the ISU
• Provide administrative support for BWC meetings
• Facilitate communication among States Parties and with relevant
organizations
• Support national implementation efforts
• Act as clearing-house for offers of and requests for assistance
• Administer confidence-building measures (CBMs)
• Support universalization activities
• Support implementation of decisions and recommendations of
Sixth Review Conference
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
ISU resources
• Website: http://www.unog.ch/bwc
– includes restricted area for States Parties
– official and informal documents, useful links
• National Implementation Database
– over 2000 measures from 116 States Parties
• Confidence-building measures (CBMs)
– online forms in six languages
– tips and advice on participation, sample submissions
– submitted CBMs available in restricted area
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
Types of assistance
• National implementation
– Drafting legislation and regulations
– Designing administrative systems
– Training and capacity-building
• Confidence-building measures (CBMs)
– Advice and “coaching”
– On-site assistance to prepare first submission
• Participation in intersessional process
– Travel to Geneva for expert meetings
• Anything else related to improving implementation of the
Convention…
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
Biological threat reduction network
BWC
INTERPOL
SCR 1540
State
Professional
associations
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
OIE
WHO
FAO
Work
Program
ISU
Industry
State
Scientific
organisations
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
A shared responsibility
“Governments alone cannot confront the
risks posed by biological weapons ... to
manage the full spectrum of biological
risks, you need a cohesive, coordinated
network of activities and resources.
Such a network will help to ensure that
biological science and technology can be
safely and securely developed for the
benefit of all.”
- Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the
United Nations, 2008
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction
Further information:
BWC Implementation Support Unit
United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs
(Geneva Branch)
Room C.115, Palais des Nations
Geneva
tel: +41 (0)22 917 2230
fax: +41 (0)22 917 0483
e-mail: bwc@unog.ch
web: www.unog.ch/bwc
ASEAN Regional Forum Workshop on
Biological Threat Reduction
Manila, 10-11 June 2009
Convention on the Prohibition of
the Development, Production and
Stockpiling of Bacteriological
(Biological) and Toxin Weapons
and on their Destruction