Biological Weapons

Biological Weapons comprise bacteria, viruses or toxins disseminated through a delivery mechanism to inflict harm or kill humans, plants or animals. The 1972 Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention bans the development, production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and retention of biological agents and toxins, of any type or quantity, including their components, that do not have protective, medical or other peaceful purposes, and any weapons or means of delivery for such agents and toxins. The 1925 Geneva Protocol prohibits the use of chemical and biological weapons in war and the UN Secretary-General’s Mechanism (UNSGM) enables independent investigation of alleged use of chemical and biological weapons.