Key Documents

Relating to the Secretary General’s Mechanism for Investigation of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons

General Assembly Resolution A/RES/42/37C (30 November 1987) requests the Secretary-General to carry out investigations in response to reports that may be brought to his attention by any Member State concerning the possible use of chemical and bacteriological (biological) or toxin weapons; requests the Secretary-General, with the assistance of qualified experts, to develop further technical guidelines and procedures; requests the Secretary-General to compile and maintain lists of qualified experts provided by Member States.

Security Council Resolution 620 (26 August 1988) encourages the Secretary-General to carry out promptly investigations in response to allegations brought to his attention by any Member State concerning the possible use of chemical and bacteriological (biological) or toxin weapons; decides to consider immediately, taking into account the investigations of the Secretary-General, appropriate and effective measures in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, should there by any future use of chemical weapons in violation of international law.

General Assembly Document A/44/561 Annex I (4 October 1989) contains recommendations by the group of qualified experts convened pursuant to General Assembly Resolution A/RES/42/37 C for guidelines and procedures for timely and efficient investigations of reports on the possible use of chemical and bacteriological (biological) or toxin weapons.

Updated appendices to the technical guidelines and procedures

General Assembly Resolution A/RES/45/57C (4 December 1990)  endorses the proposal for guidelines and procedures for investigations of reports on the possible use of chemical and bacteriological (biological) or toxin weapons contained in document A/44/561.

General Assembly Resolution A/RES/60/288 (20 September 2006)  encourages the Secretary-General to update the roster of experts and laboratories, as well as the technical guidelines and procedures, available to him for the timely and efficient investigation of alleged use.