Statement by the Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

Statement by the Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons kviray Fri 21/08/2026 - 15:16 Today marks the 13th anniversary of a devastating chemical weapons attack in the Ghouta area of Damascus in Syria.  On 21 August 2013, the nerve agent sarin was used in Ghouta, resulting in extensive civilian casualties, including many children.  This appalling incident stands as a stark reminder of the horrendous human impact of chemical weapons.  Today we remember and honour the victims and survivors of all chemical weapons use, in Syria and beyond.  We remember the past, to avoid a repeat in the future.  The OPCW continues to work closely with the new Syrian government to uncover the full extent of the former Syrian authorities’ chemical weapons programme.  We must ensure that chemical weapons can never again be used to cause harm to our communities. It is our collective duty to protect future generations from these abhorrent weapons.  Fri 21/08/2026 - 12:00 Speech Director-General