OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism

The OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) in Syria was established after the United Nations Security Council in August 2015, unanimously adopted resolution 2235, aimed at identifying those behind chemical weapons attacks in Syria.[1][2]

Background

On 7 August 2015, the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 2235 (2015) to establish a joint investigation mechanism to identify individuals or entities responsible for use of chemical weapons in the Syrian civil war.[3] The resolution was drafted by the United States, and adopted by all 15 members of the Security Council; just two days after the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and the US Secretary of State John Kerry reached an agreement on the drafted text in Kuala Lumpur.[4][5]

The resolution requested the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in coordination with the Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, to submit recommendations for the establishment of the Investigative Mechanism within 20 days.[3] After that period they had to "undertake without delay the steps, measures, and arrangements necessary for the speedy establishment and full functioning of the Joint Investigative Mechanism, including recruiting impartial and experienced staff with relevant skills and expertise."[5] The Mechanism was fully operational on 13 November 2015, and its first report expected sometime in February 2016.[6]

The mission

The mission will be tasked with identifying “individuals, entities, groups, or governments involved in the use of chemicals as weapons, including chlorine or any other toxic chemical,” in Syria.[5]

See also

References

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