We, the undersigned Syrian organizations, survivors’ groups, including of chemical weapons attacks, and human rights advocates, urge you as OPCW member states to oppose Russia’s candidacy for the OPCW Executive Council this month.
Allowing Russia to hold this position would undermine not only the OPCW’s mission in achieving a world free of chemical weapons, but also gives a disturbing signal to victims and survivors of chemical attacks that the council is emboldening impunity rather than promoting justice and accountability for these horrific crimes in Syria and elsewhere.
Russia suffocates us, twice
Voting for Russia — a state that has shielded perpetrators and obstructed accountability — would further silence Syrian victims of chemical attacks, dismissing their suffering and demand for genuine justice. Russia has blocked accountability efforts using its veto power in the UN Security Council 18 times, six of these vetoes were used explicitly to prevent holding the Syrian regime accountable for the use of chemical weapons, a finding made by the OPCW itself.
Evidence shows that Russia has funded and backed systematic disinformation campaigns to obscure and distort the truth about chemical attacks in Syria, as confirmed by the OPCW, and to discredit survivors testimonies, a strategy that has had a devastating impact on survivors and their efforts in seeking justice.
Implications for the OPCW’s Integrity
Russia has actively obstructed OPCW investigations into Syria’s chemical weapons program, in an attempt to discredit evidence from the OPCW’s Fact-Finding Missions and the Joint Investigative Mechanism, which indicates repeated use of sarin and chlorine by the Syrian regime, Russia’s ally, in attacks on civilians. There is also strong evidence that Russia itself is in non-compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Allowing Russia to hold a leadership role within the OPCW would undermine the organization’s authority and send a message that violations to the Chemical Weapons Convention will be tolerated.
Ramifications for the International System
Russian actions in Syria, including at least 1,251 documented attacks on civilian infrastructure and use of banned munitions, further highlight the risk of weakening international norms. Allowing Russia a seat on the Executive Council could embolden other states to disregard international law with impunity, thereby weakening the global commitment to preventing the use of chemical weapons and compromising collective security efforts.
By denying Russia a seat in the last OPCW election, you took a vital step toward justice and accountability. Now is the time to reinforce that commitment and move forward. Russia belongs in international courts for waging wars and committing countless crimes, and not at the executive council of an organization like the OPCW. To uphold global justice, protect the OPCW’s mission, and preserve international laws, we urge you to stand by Russia’s victims and stop Russia from making a mockery of international law and institutions.
Signatories:
Please contact The Syria Campaign for any further information at [email protected].