Previous Year Question
With reference to ‘Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)’, consider the following statements.
It is an organisation of European Union in working relation with NATO and WHO.
It monitors chemical industry to prevent new weapons from emerging.
It provides assistance and protection to State (Parties) against chemical weapons threats.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Only 1
2 and 3
1 and 3
1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is the international organization responsible for implementing the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Its headquarters is located in The Hague, Netherlands.
The OPCW is not an organization of the European Union, nor is it a subordinate body of NATO or WHO. Therefore, Statement 1 is not correct.
The Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force on 29 April 1997, and the OPCW began its work at that time.
The Convention prohibits the development, production, acquisition, stockpiling, transfer and use of chemical weapons.
The OPCW verifies the destruction of chemical-weapon stockpiles and production facilities declared by States Parties.
It monitors the relevant chemical industry through declarations and on-site inspections.
Its purpose is to prevent toxic chemicals and their production facilities from being used for the development of chemical weapons. Therefore, Statement 2 is correct.
Under Article X of the Chemical Weapons Convention, States Parties have the right to receive assistance and protection against the threat or use of chemical weapons.
The OPCW assists in developing such capacity through emergency assistance, protective equipment, expert advice and training. Therefore, Statement 3 is correct.
Under Article XI of the Convention, the OPCW also promotes the peaceful use of chemistry and international cooperation.
The OPCW cooperates with the United Nations, but it is neither a principal organ of the United Nations nor an institution of the European Union.
The OPCW was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.