Committee: Disarmament and International Security Committee
Agenda: Addressing the Emergence and Threat of Bioterrorism
Country: Syrian Arab Republic
Bioterrorism is an urgent global threat, involving the use of biological agents such as viruses,
bacteria, or toxins to harm or kill people, animals, or plants. Syria, as a country with a history of
suffering from conflict and the use of chemical weapons, understands the devastation caused by
weapons of mass destruction. The rise of bioterrorism, alongside the spread of biotechnological
knowledge, presents a growing risk to global public health and security. As a result, Syria
emphasizes the need for international cooperation to prevent the misuse of biological agents and
strengthen the global response to bioterrorism.
Syria recognizes the severe dangers posed by bioterrorism and supports international efforts to
address the growing threat of biological weapons. Having been a victim of chemical weapons
attacks during the ongoing conflict, Syria is especially sensitive to the use of mass destruction
weapons. Syria is committed to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and supports the
global effort to prevent the use of biological agents as weapons. However, we also recognize that
non-state actors, including terrorist organizations, represent a serious risk in the misuse of
biological weapons, and we must take collective action to prevent this.
Syria calls for the strengthening of monitoring and verification mechanisms under the BWC to
ensure that all countries adhere to the convention. International cooperation is essential in
preventing the misuse of biological materials by non-state actors. Syria urges the establishment
of a global oversight body to ensure compliance with international biosecurity standards. To
prevent the misuse of biological agents, Syria proposes that countries, particularly those in
conflict zones, be supported in developing stronger biosecurity systems. This includes
surveillance, detection, and response mechanisms to combat potential bioterrorism threats, with
support from international organizations such Syria calls for the strengthening of monitoring and
verification mechanisms under the BWC to ensure that all countries adhere to the convention.
International cooperation is essential in preventing the misuse of biological materials by non-
state actors. Syria urges the establishment of a global oversight body to ensure compliance with
international biosecurity standards. To prevent the misuse of biological agents, Syria proposes
that countries, particularly those in conflict zones, be supported in developing stronger
biosecurity systems. This includes surveillance, detection, and response mechanisms to combat
potential bioterrorism threats, with support from international organizations such as the World
Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. Syria
supports the creation of an UN-led rapid response team to assist in the containment of
bioterrorism outbreaks. This team would offer technical support to affected countries, ensure
timely response to bioterrorism threats, and help contain the spread of disease. Syria emphasizes
the need to increase monitoring of the illegal trade in biological materials, especially to prevent
terrorist groups like ISIS from acquiring biological agents. Increased international intelligence
sharing and border control measures are essential in this regard.
Bioterrorism is a serious threat that must be addressed with immediate action. Syria is committed
to working with the international community to strengthen biosecurity, enhance cooperation, and
ensure the rapid response to potential bioterrorism threats. By working together, we can mitigate
the risks of bioterrorism and protect global security and public health.
