The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), in partnership with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), successfully convened a regional Workshop on Implementing and Enforcing Legislation: The Chemical Weapons Convention and Chemical Security in Asia in Manila from 2 to 4 June 2026. The event was co-hosted by the Anti-Terrorism Centre of the Philippines and brought together representatives from 13 countries across South and South-East Asia.
This workshop marked the second iteration of a joint OPCW–UNICRI initiative aimed at strengthening national legal frameworks, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and building practical capacity to prevent and respond to chemical crimes. It builds on the momentum of a first regional workshop held in Ankara, Türkiye, from 3 to 5 June 2025, which focused on Central Asia and laid the foundation for a broader, interregional approach to chemical security cooperation.
Expanding a Regional Network of Chemical Security Practitioners
The Manila workshop gathered policymakers, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, customs officers, and other national stakeholders from Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. Participants engaged in a dynamic exchange of experiences and best practices, reflecting diverse national contexts while addressing shared challenges.
Both the 2025 and 2026 workshops were made possible through financial support from the European Union, with OPCW leading coordination and UNICRI serving as a key implementing partner. Together, they aim to foster sustained regional cooperation and reinforce the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) at the national level.
From Policy to Practice: A Hands-On Training Approach
A distinguishing feature of the Manila workshop was its highly practical and interactive design, with OPCW and UNICRI facilitating sessions over three days alongside regional subject-matter experts. The programme moved beyond theoretical discussions, equipping participants with actionable skills for real-world application.
Key thematic areas included:
The role of law enforcement, customs, and border control authorities in preventing the illicit movement of hazardous chemicals
Exploring CBRN legislative advocacy challenges and solutions across jurisdictions
Strengthening interagency coordination, with a focus on clearly defined roles and responsibilities
A two-hour tabletop exercise, simulating a chemical incident scenario to test national response frameworks
Practical guidance for prosecutors through the Prosecutor’s Guide to Chemical and Biological Crimes
Case studies of real-world prosecutions, illustrating how chemical crimes are investigated and adjudicated
Strengthening national and regional capacities in legislation, criminalisation, and classification of chemical offences
This applied approach aligns with evolving international priorities to improve not only legislation, but also its effective enforcement, including evidence handling, prosecution standards, and interagency collaboration, areas that are increasingly recognised as critical gaps in many regions.
Addressing Emerging Risks and Regional Priorities
The workshop took place against a backdrop of increasing global concern over the misuse of toxic chemicals by non-state actors, the expansion of chemical industries, and the complexity of regulating cross-border chemical flows. Participants examined how national legislation can be aligned with international obligations under the CWC while remaining adaptable to emerging threats.
Through structured dialogue and peer learning, the workshop provided a platform to identify common legal and operational challenges, including gaps in criminalisation, limited interagency coordination, and the need for specialised training for prosecutors and investigators.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Initiative to Africa
Following the successful implementation of the workshops in Türkiye (2025) and the Philippines (2026), OPCW and UNICRI are preparing to expand the initiative to new regions. A third regional workshop is provisionally scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, from 6 to 8 October 2026, targeting countries from the African Atlantic Façade, North Africa, and the Sahel.
Strengthening Global Norms Through Regional Action
By combining legal expertise, operational training, and regional cooperation, the OPCW–UNICRI initiative demonstrates a comprehensive approach to preventing the re-emergence and misuse of chemical weapons. As highlighted through both workshops, effective chemical security depends not only on robust legislation, but on the capacity of national systems to enforce it—through investigation, prosecution, and coordinated response.
The Manila workshop represents a significant step forward in building that capacity across Asia, while reinforcing a growing global network dedicated to upholding the norms and obligations of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
