a project of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation
Introduction
INTRODUCTION // AGENDA // BACKGROUND PAPERS // PARTICIPANTS
On June 11th, 2005 the Scientists Working Group on Biological and Chemical Weapons held a symposium on incapacitating biochemical weapons in Geneva, Switzerland.
Advances in the life sciences and biotechnology, and the changing nature of conflict in the 21st Century, are generating increasing interest in and concern about chemical and biochemical incapacitating agents. Despite the temporary surge in media attention following Russia’s use of a fentanyl (anesthetic) derivative to resolve the 2002 Moscow theatre hostage crisis, awareness of military and law enforcement interest in these agents remains confined to a small community of experts.
This Symposium is designed to increase awareness and to facilitate critical thinking and discussion about the complex issues surrounding biochemical incapacitating agents by key players in the field, including scientists, military and law enforcement practitioners, national and international policy makers, and representatives of international governmental organizations and civil society. More than 60 individuals from over 20 countries will discuss scientific, military, legal and policy issues surrounding the development and use of chemical and biochemical incapacitating agents for law enforcement and military purposes.
To facilitate participation by these groups, the Symposium is being held in Geneva immediately prior to the June BWC meeting of experts from States Parties. The issues to be discussed are relevant to and will help inform the discussions at the meeting of experts, which will focus on “the content, promulgation, and adoption of codes of conduct for scientists.”
Sponsored by the Scientists Working Group of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation and the Geneva Forum (UNIDIR, Quaker UN Office, Program for Strategic and International Security Studies of the Graduate Institute of International Studies).