Biological Weapons Convention

The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) entered into force in 1975. It bans development, production, stockpiling or otherwise acquiring/retaining microbial or other biological agents or toxins whatever their origin that have no justification for prophylactic, protective or other peaceful purposes. It also covers weapons, equipment or means of delivery designed to use biological agents for hostile purposes or in armed conflict. To strengthen efforts to combat the BW threat, States Parties agreed at the November 2002 BWC Review Conference to have experts meet annually through 2006 to discuss and promote common understanding and effective action on biosecurity, national implementation measures, suspicious outbreaks of disease, disease surveillance and codes of conduct for scientists.

Text of the Biological Weapons Convention
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