14 – Follow-up to
the Review Conferences

Mr. Chairperson,

Distinguished Delegates,

Engagement with the civil society is a rewarding process for the Organization.

Currently, considerable time and effort are dedicated by States Parties and the Technical Secretariat for discussing and arranging NGO participation at CSPs.

However, effectiveness of the current interaction with NGOs sometimes falls significantly short of expectations, considering the investment of time and resources.

To establish a well-designed interaction between the OPCW and the civil society, the issue must be addressed thoroughly by the States Parties. In this respect, we welcome the initiative of Germany on this matter.

On the other hand, that process shouldn’t be focused on revising the current guidelines on the attendance and participation of NGOs in accordance with “Rule 33 of the Rules of Procedure of the CSP, the Guidelines for Future Attendance and Participation by Non-Governmental Organizations”.

Principle of consensus should be followed during these discussions.

Furthermore, we would like to reiterate our position on the evaluation process of NGOs as we made clear in our first statement at the very opening session of the 5^thReview Conference and 103^rd Executive Council.

In order to participate in the sessions of Conference of States Parties, the activities of NGOs first must be relevant to the Convention. Secondly, NGO accreditation should continue to depend on the vetting process as stated in the relevant guidelines. Thirdly, objection of one State Party should be sufficient to suspend the accreditation of an NGO.

Thank you.