UN Security Council Briefing: Syria's Undeclared Chemical Weapons Program

Progress on Chemical Weapons Elimination

• 🎯 The UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) briefed the Security Council on efforts to eliminate Syria's chemical weapons program, as mandated by Security Council Resolution 2118 of 2013.
• 🤝 The new Syrian government is cooperating with the OPCW Technical Secretariat to clarify the full extent of the previous government's chemical weapons program.
• 🗓️ Since March 2025, OPCW teams have visited 19 locations, including 15 suspected chemical weapons-related sites, and have interviewed former experts.

Challenges and Undeclared Sites

• ⚠️ The OPCW Technical Secretariat has expressed serious concern over the accuracy and completeness of Syria's previous declarations, citing potentially undeclared or unverified chemical warfare agents and munitions.
• 🗺️ Information suggests over 100 additional sites may have been involved in past chemical weapons activities, beyond the 26 declared sites.
• 🚧 Visiting high-priority sites, particularly in dangerous areas, presents significant risks and requires extensive operational preparations.

International Cooperation and Support

• 💡 The commitment of the new Syrian government to transparent cooperation is welcome and commendable.
• 🌍 The UNODA urges Security Council members to unite and provide the necessary support for this unprecedented effort.
• 🤝 Syria reiterates its determination to close this chapter and strengthen the global non-proliferation regime.

Future Steps and Verification

• 🔬 The OPCW is analyzing reports from Syrian reconnaissance teams and planning further activities, including potential visits to suspected locations.
• 📈 The OPCW Technical Secretariat is committed to verifying full implementation of declaration requirements under the Chemical Weapons Convention.
• 🛠️ A needs and gaps assessment has been prepared to guide parties and partners willing to support Syria's efforts towards a successful conclusion.
• ⚠️ The destruction of identified chemical weapons and remnants may need to be carried out on-site, a measure authorized by a recent Executive Council decision.