Chemical weapons watchdog restores Syria’s voting rights, citing progress

Syria has regained its voting rights within the global chemical weapons watchdog following a significant shift in circumstances since the country's suspension in 2021. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons announced the restoration based on what it described as "concrete steps" taken by Syria's new authorities to address longstanding chemical weapons issues.

Syria's suspension stemmed from the former government's failure to fully declare its chemical weapons programme and documented use of poison gas throughout the civil war. The lightning offensive that ousted longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in 2024 prompted a change in approach. Under President Ahmed al-Sharaa's new government, Syrian authorities have committed to fulfilling their obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and have begun cooperating with international inspectors. Actions taken include facilitating verification activities and initiating destruction of identified chemical weapon remnants.

OPCW Director-General Fernando Arias noted that the decision reflects "tangible progress achieved through continued cooperation and constructive engagement" between the international watchdog and Syria's new leadership. The restoration of voting rights represents recognition of the new government's willingness to engage with the international community on this critical issue.

Syria's involvement with the OPCW dates to 2013, when the country joined the organization and agreed to destroy its chemical weapons stockpile under a joint Russian-US proposal. At that time, Syria was believed to possess approximately 1,000 tonnes of chemical toxins. The agreement followed international outcry over a suspected chemical attack in Ghouta, an eastern suburb of Damascus, which US intelligence attributed to the Syrian government with high confidence, citing at least 1,400 deaths including 426 children. The former Assad government denied involvement and blamed opposition forces. Despite submitting an initial declaration, the previous Syrian authorities did not disclose the full scope of their chemical weapons programme and attempted to mislead inspectors about its scale.