The Government of Japan has contributed nearly €200,000 to two trust funds of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW): the Trust Fund for Syria Missions and the Trust Fund for the Implementation of Article X in support of Ukraine. Part of this funding will support OPCW activities in Syria, including verifying the full scope of the country’s chemical weapons programme, overseeing destruction plans, and investigating allegations of chemical weapons use.
The contribution to the Trust Fund for Article X will enhance Ukraine’s preparedness and resilience against chemical weapons threats by providing equipment, training, expertise, logistical support, and technical assistance. The funding was formalized on 5 March 2026 during a signing ceremony at the OPCW Headquarters in The Hague between Japan’s Ambassador to the OPCW, H.E. Mr Rokuichiro Michii, and OPCW Director-General Ambassador Fernando Arias.
Ambassador Michii emphasized Japan’s commitment to peace, security, and the complete elimination of chemical weapons, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and political will for successful implementation of these initiatives. Director-General Arias expressed gratitude to Japan, noting that the contribution strengthens OPCW efforts to support States Parties, enhance preparedness, and uphold the global norm against chemical weapons.
Japan, a member of the OPCW Executive Council since joining the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1995, has contributed over €17,450 to 14 OPCW trust funds, including support for Ukraine and the development of chemical weapons detection and protection capacities. Article X of the Convention provides assistance to States Parties threatened by chemical weapons, and the OPCW has deployed Technical Assistance Visits and provided protective and detection equipment as part of its support to Ukraine.
Syria joined the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013 but initially failed to declare all elements of its chemical weapons programme. Following the fall of the Assad government in December 2024, OPCW activities intensified to uncover and eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles. Since November 2025, OPCW has maintained a continuous presence in Syria, coordinating inventory, destruction, and verification activities under the Office of Special Missions.
The OPCW, which oversees global efforts to eliminate chemical weapons with its 193 Member States, has verified the destruction of all 72,304 metric tonnes of chemical agents declared under the Convention since 1997. The organization was awarded the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize for its disarmament efforts and continues to lead international initiatives to prevent chemical weapons proliferation and use.
