Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC)
The Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction, commonly known as the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) or Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC), is the first multilateral disarmament treaty banning the production and use of an entire category of weapons. It was opened for signature on 10 April 1972 and entered into force on 26 March 1975.
It effectively prohibits the development, production, acquisition, transfer, retention, stockpiling and use of biological and toxin weapons and is a key element in the international community’s efforts to address the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Over the intervening years, increasing numbers of States joined the Convention, which currently has 155 States Parties and 16 Signatory States. To see all the members of the BTWC, click here.
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