Secretary-General pledges redoubled efforts towards chemical weapons-free

world in message for unveiling of permanent memorial to victims

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message on the unveiling of a permanent memorial dedicated to victims of chemical weapons and the tenth anniversary of the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention in the Hague, today, 9 May:

The memorial you unveil today is a symbol of suffering and hope.

With it, we remember the unspeakable horror endured by victims of chemical weapons.

And we vow that their pain will never be forgotten by present and future generations.

We give effect to that pledge by unveiling this memorial on the tenth anniversary of the entry into force of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

As we do, we pledge to redouble our efforts to achieve universal membership of the Chemical Weapons Convention, and to free the world from chemical weapons.

I call on those States that have not yet ratified or acceded to the Convention to do so without delay.  And I call on all possessor States to complete the destruction of their declared stockpiles according to the deadlines.

The United Nations will work steadfastly together with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the international community towards that end.

On this date, we also mark the time when World War II came to an end in Europe 62 years ago.  Let us draw on that spirit.  Let us spare no effort in our endeavours to banish chemical weapons from the face of the earth.

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For information media • not an official record