Disarmament in Review
History of the BWC
The BWC was opened for signature on 10 April 1972 and entered into force on 26 March 1975. For more information click here.
What are biological weapons?
Biological weapons disseminate disease-causing organisms or toxins to harm or kill humans, animals or plants. For more information click here.
Membership and regional groups
The Biological Weapons Convention currently has 187 States Parties and four Signatory States. For more information click here.
Universalization and joining the BWC
The BWC is open to all States to join in accordance with their own national constitutional processes. For more information click here.
Meetings under the BWC
All BWC meetings are held in Geneva, and are open to all States Parties and signatories to the Convention. For more information click here.
