Basic Information
Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare is an annual event observed on April 29 to provide an opportunity to pay tribute to the victims of chemical warfare, as well as to reaffirm the commitment of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to the elimination of the threat of chemical weapons, thereby promoting the goals of peace and security.
Observed on: April 29
Organized by: UN
Introduced in: 2005 (UN Recognition)
Observed: Worldwide
About Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare
Every year April 29 is observed as Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare. April 29 is the date in 1997 on which the Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force. The Chemical Weapons Convention, signed by 189 countries prohibits the use, development, production, stockpiling and transfer of large – scale chemical weapons.
This day is observed to provide an opportunity to pay tribute to the victims of chemical warfare, as well as to reaffirm the commitment of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to the elimination of the threat of chemical weapons, thereby promoting the goals of peace, security, and multilateralism. UN recognized this day on 11 November, 2005.
The observance is important as many countries are keeping and using large number of chemical weapons.
Activities and Programs on Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare
OPCW and related organizations organizes many activities on this day to eliminate the threat of chemical weapons and pay tribute to the victims of chemical warfare. On this day Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) honor victims of chemical warfare. Special media programs are also organizing in connection with the observation. Programs and activities also aim at giving information and education to public about chemical weapons.