Publication

Almost 40 years after it came into being in 1972, the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention remains without a proper verification mechanism. Three elements are central to BTWC verification: an information-monitoring capacity, challenge investigations and consultation procedures to address ambiguities, and low-level compliance concerns. These three elements already exist in draft form, in the confidence-building measures, the United Nations Secretary-General’s investigation mechanism and the consultative mechanism under Article V of the BTWC. All three elements need to be revised and clarified.