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
- Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic
- United Nations Mission to Investigate Alleged Uses of Chemical Weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic
- The OPCW Fact-Finding Mission in Syria
- OPCW-UN Joint Mission in Syria
References
- ↑ "UN to examine Syria chemical weapons attacks". BBC News. 7 August 2015.
- ↑ "U.N. Security Council adopts measure to investigate chemical weapons use in Syria". UPI. 7 August 2015.
- 1 2 "Who is responsible for the use of chemical weapons in Syria". EuropaNewswire. 7 August 2015.
- ↑ "U.S. and Russia to Back U.N. Vote on Chemical Attacks in Syria". The New York Times. 6 August 2015.
- 1 2 3 "UNSC Passes Resolution on Chemical Weapon Attacks in Syria". Sputnik. 7 August 2015.
- ↑ "United Nations Signs Status of Mission Agreement with Syria". U.N. 11 December 2015.