Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare

The Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare is an annual observance established by the United Nations to honour and memorialise those who have suffered as a result of chemical weapons. This day is devoted to remembering the victims, reaffirming commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), and ultimately strengthening global efforts to prevent the proliferation and use of these devastating weapons. By acknowledging the past, the Observance aims to encourage discussion and promote education surrounding the humanitarian consequences of chemical warfare, ultimately fostering a more peaceful future.

The Day of Remembrance has its roots in the 1997 establishment of the United Nations Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Australia has been a proactive member of the OPCW and has demonstrated dedication to the cause, as well as to upholding the CWC at a national and international level. This day is especially significant for Australia, given the country's own experiences with chemical weapon usage during World War II and efforts supporting OPCW-led missions to remove and destroy Syrian chemical stockpiles in 2014.

Australia recognises the Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare primarily through events and programs aiming to raise awareness, foster discussion, and educate the public on the dangers of chemical weaponry. This is often achieved in partnership with local non-government organisations, educational institutions, and government agencies. Australians can also engage in global efforts to prevent chemical warfare through participation in conferences and advocacy initiatives involving the United Nations and the OPCW. In Australia, as in the rest of the world, this Observance takes place on April 29th, marking the anniversary of the CWC's entry into force in 1997.