Syria Reactivates Mission to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
Syria has reactivated its permanent mission to the OPCW amid ongoing efforts for chemical weapons destruction and investigations. Recent OPCW activities include multiple technical team deployments to inspect suspect sites, with a focus on accelerated destruction of remnants from the Assad regime's chemical weapons program. The Syrian delegation supports OPCW resolutions encouraging international cooperation and accountability.
Syria has officially reactivated its permanent mission to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), signaling renewed cooperation after years of conflict and allegations concerning chemical weapons use. This move follows a UN General Assembly resolution supported by 151 states that highlights a positive phase in Syria-OPCW relations. The resolution documents the historical suffering caused by chemical weapons in Syria and calls for international assistance to address the chemical legacy left by the Assad regime, including protecting civilians and enhancing security. Since early 2025, the OPCW has deployed four technical missions to Syria to examine declared and suspected chemical weapons sites, with a fifth deployment planned. These missions collect evidence, take samples, and facilitate destruction efforts, despite challenges such as prior airstrikes near inspection sites. Notably, in October 2025, the OPCW decided to accelerate the destruction of remaining chemical weapons and renamed Syria’s agenda item to focus on eliminating remnants from the Assad era. The OPCW’s investigative work now directly supports national accountability processes. Syria’s delegation has expressed support for this approach while appealing for broader international support and coordination. These developments reflect a complex but critical period in resolving the chemical weapons issue in Syria and contribute to broader international peace and security efforts.
