The Biological Weapons Convention at 50 Perspectives from Asia and the Pacific.
As we commemorate the Fiftieth anniversary of the Biological WeaponsConvention (BWC), we reflect upon one of the most significant achievements in the history of multilateral disarmament. Adopted in 1972 and entering into force in 1975, the Convention was the first multilateral treaty to ban an entire category of weapons of mass destruction. In doing so, it enshrined a simple yet profound principle: that the life sciences must only ever be used for peaceful purposes and for the benefit of humanity. Over the past five decades, the BWC has served as the cornerstone of global efforts to prevent the development, production and use of biological weapons. It has established a powerful international norm against the weaponization of biology and has near-universal membership — an achievement that reflects the shared conviction of the international community that biology must never be used to harm. Through this enduring commitment, States parties have helped to safeguard global peace and ...