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Iran’s statement before the Third Meeting of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the BWC - December 7 2023 Gene

Statement

By

Mr. Ehsan Miri

Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Before

the Third Meeting of the Working Group

on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention

 on Compliance and Verification

December 7, 2023, Geneva

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

At the outset, I extend my gratitude to the distinguished delegates for their valuable input and contributions to our work.

I take the floor to present and put on record the Islamic Republic of Iran’s position on this vital topic and outline the main elements of the Working Paper on compliance and verification (Working Paper 11).

The working paper submitted by my country includes three main parts: the first, an introduction to the history and importance of verification; second, the consequences of lacking a verification mechanism, the necessity, and advantages of a legally binding instrument on verification, inter alia to adapt the convention to technological developments; and third and finally, some recommendations on this topic.

Mr. Chair,

During the Ninth Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention, State Parties rightly recognized the inadequacy of existing non-legally binding arrangements in assessing compliance with the provisions of the Convention. 

Since the blockade of negotiations for a legally binding instrument and in the absence of a robust verification mechanism, the landscape of science and technology in biology has experienced significant transformations and advancements, posing both opportunities and challenges. These developments necessitate a recalibration of our approach to ensure the incorporation of the latest advancements in science and technology to enhance the verification process while maintaining essential rigor in an efficient and less intrusive way.

Challenges and obstacles in the implementation of the Convention need to be underlined. In the absence of a multilateral agreement on verification, unilateral approaches that have taken precedence over multilateral efforts resulted in continued accusations and fostered an atmosphere of mistrust needs to be highlighted and addressed. The application of Unilateral Coercive Measures (UCMs) as an example is the most flagrant act of violation of the soul and letter of the Convention including Article X, which needs to be prioritized. Evidently, in this path, neither non-legally binding measures nor unilateral actions are sufficient to foster a secure and stable global environment.

The replacement of unilateral approaches through a binding framework with a cooperative and enforceable mechanism is an utmost necessity and would be a turning point for the Convention. In fact, a legally binding instrument not only addresses the limitations of non-binding measures but also establishes a framework for collective commitment and accountability. We should not only strengthen the convention's ability to detect and deter potential violations but also foster international confidence in the peaceful use of biology and biotechnology.

Mr. Chair,

A comprehensive review of the BWC to integrate technological advancements is needed. My country strongly believes that a legally binding instrument is indispensable to ensure accountability and collective commitment by the States Parties to the rules and regulations outlined in the Convention. This instrument could also serve as a deterrent against non-compliance in different ways, inter alia through promoting a culture of responsibility. Moreover, in the event of disputes or accusations, a legally binding instrument provides a clear and established mechanism for resolution, minimizing the risk of unilateral actions and accusations and offering a structured process for addressing concerns, and ensuring a fair evaluation of compliance. Last but not least, through a legally binding instrument, not only could multilateral and agreed export control be addressed but also the guarantee of access to and procurement of medicine and medical supplies and services for peaceful purposes.

Concerning what had been agreed during the protocol negotiations, work on a legally binding instrument to guarantee compliance with all the provisions and obligations of the Convention in an effective and comprehensive framework needs to be resumed. Such a Protocol can provide the necessary assurance that all States Parties would fulfill their obligations under the Convention by ensuring what needs to be and how it should be verified. we express hope that consultations and contributions within this working group will lead to the resumption of negotiations on a comprehensive and non-discriminatory legally binding protocol including a verification mechanism.

I Thank you for your attention.