Home :: 1. Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention

FAQ: Why should I adopt national implementation measures?

The BTWC is an international disarmament and non-proliferation treaty that prohibits the development, production, acquisition and transfer of biological weapons and materials and equipment that might contribute to a BW acquisition programme. It sets global legal standards for the conduct of the States Parties, which become legally binding upon them through ratification of or accession to the treaty. National implementation measures that the States Parties must enact extend those prohibitions to legal as well as natural persons that come under the jurisdiction of the States Parties.

It is important that all States Parties enact appropriate and effective national implementation measures. When a region of the world is not protected by proper implementation of its norms, non-State actors, such as terrorists, who wish to evade detection and prosecution may be attracted to exploit this opportunity. It should be recalled that biotechnology and dangerous biological agents can be found in any hospital or university. Hence, every country may become a target for terrorists or criminals if it fails to enact proper regulations and controls.