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Conventions on Chemical and Biological Weapons - Similarities and Differences
JANTAČOVÁ, Veronika
Currently, although we are not jeopardized by global conflicts, but when the threat of chemical or biological attack, especially from the side of some of terrorist groups or a belligerent state, is still real, it is necessary to use all possible available measures for the conservation of global security against conventional weapons and weapons of mass destruction. The aim of this thesis is the following: To analyze texts of both stated Conventions and thus to get a consolidated view on the issue of biological and chemical weapons from the legislative point of view. To obtain, on the basis of the analysis and systematic comparison of particular provisions, an overview of identical and different elements in both Conventions. On the basis of results of the mutual comparison of particular provisions of both Conventions, to assess, according to their versions, meaning and extent, the influence on performance of both Conventions. After meeting these objectives it was possible to provide an answer to the stated research question: Are the measures formulated in international Conventions on the Prohibition of Biological and Chemical weapons sufficient in their importance, versions and extent, including the effective control? For the purpose of this thesis, theoretical part is focused especially on defining biological and chemical weapons and effective warfare agents. Furthermore, in order to obtain the idea of the importance of existence of international Conventions on the Prohibition of Biological and Chemical Weapons there is given a brief history of the use of these weapons in armed conflicts and a history accompanying negotiations regarding their prohibition. For completeness, the current state of biological and chemical weapons and compliance with both Conventions are given in conclusion. Second part of the thesis is devoted to the analysis and comparison of texts of both Conventions, so objectives of the thesis could be achieved and the research question could be answered. Stated objectives were achieved with the assistance of methods of the qualitative research. After detailed analysis of both texts and systematic assessment of individual measures contained in them, there were detected especially the range and overall text of each Convention. Subsequently, identical and different articles were mutually compared in order to observe the differences, which could have an impact on the performance of both conventions. After overall review of compliances and differences, and after the assessment of the scale, version and meaning of particular different provisions, the research question could be answered, and at the same time basic recommendations, whose importance may represent means to more efficient implementation of individual provisions of Conventions, could be defined. On the basis of results of comparison of particular provisions of both Conventions, in response to the research question it is necessary to state, that actions formulated in CWC, including its Annexes, appear to be sufficient for compliance with arising obligations. While measures contained in BWC, in particular in terms of the absence of any control measures, which could be used as an effective feedback regarding the implementation of provisions of the Convention, optionality to declare information on activities unrestricted by the Convention and inaccurate definition of components seem to be insufficient in its version, extent and meaning for this purpose. Essential reformation regarding the implementation of the objectives of BWC would be adoption of a complex of control measures according to the design of CWC, which has major impact on the objectives of the Convention. Proposed completion of existing articles, in case of which the change in wording would extend the scope of their versions and increase the emphasis on some areas of contained provisions for more efficient implementation of the Convention, may be also beneficial.
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Usage of chemical weapons during the First World War and an edification for the present
PRAŽÁK, Marek
This thesis focuses on the description and characteristics of chemical weapons used during the First World War (WWI) and the consequences resulting from it to the present. The introductory part tries to present a comprehensive description of chemical weapons, their classification, including a basic description of their effects on the human organism. Further on, the thesis characterizes individual chemical substances used in the battles of the WWI between 1914 and 1918 and it mentions the most important and key attacks with warfare chemical substances, including a description of the development and design of chemical ammunition used. The next section of the thesis is devoted to the protection against weapons of mass destruction and, in particular, various types of protection and I assess the impact of the use of chemical weapons during the First World War to the present time. Regarding the methodology side, I gathered information from specialized sources and tried to map out clearly and in general the given issues, also based on my own knowledge and experience. The thesis is based on two basic hypotheses: 1 The First World War showed that if necessary the warring parties would resort also to the use of banned means, including chemical weapons; 2. The First World War laid the building blocks of modern protection against chemical weapons and the protection against weapons of mass destruction in general. Both of the hypotheses have been proven to be true, which I try to document in my thesis. The first hypothesis shows that even if chemical weapons were officially banned at The Hague conference, the warring parties did not hesitate, if necessary, to produce, improve and use them against their enemies. The second hypothesis is confirmed by the fact that along with the development and improvement of chemical weapons and ammunition the protection against these weapons developed and improved as well as the detection of warfare chemical substances and alerting of troops when such weapons are used. The consequence of this is the existence of current chemical protection and the emergence of a new military branch - Protection against the Weapons of Mass Destruction.
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Chemical weapons experiments on humans
MLEJNEK, Miroslav
Chemical weapons are justly considered by the human society as the oldest type of weapons of mass destruction. Unfortunately the same human society has continued to apply and further develop the ancient principles of use of combat chemical substances. The current world, despite all the humanistic efforts to terminate the history of this type of weapons, continues to be physically threatened by their abuse. I must say that studies of the history of chemical weapons are very demanding and comprehensive. The whole process of historic development of these combat means is interconnected by multiple relations and circumstances and unfortunately has been the source of a lot of inconceivable human suffering. That is why I decided to take the courage and thread the path leading to a look back at the past, for I believe that such a retrospective not only reveals stories that are already buried in the distant past and are not needed any more, but also leads to understanding the present, learning a lesson from past mistakes and acquiring a humble approach to life. On the basis of studies of the many available resources I tried to submit in my diploma thesis a complex summary of current as well as historic knowledge of combat chemical substances, their research and testing on humans. While the issue of chemical weapons and wars as such is paid a lot of attention, the issue of chemical weapon testing on people has still been a marginal theme. The abovementioned facts inspired this thesis and I believe that my diploma theses might be beneficial for its readers. My greatest desire and aim was to present to the readers the historic path of application and the related research and testing of chemical weapons. I hope I have processed the theme to be better understandable to the reader, both professional and lay. I tried to proceed systematically and make my thesis interesting to enrich not only me but also its readers.
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Toxikological and health aspects of nonlethal chemical weapons.
HAMERNÍKOVÁ, Magdalena
ABSTRACT Toxicology and Health Aspects of Non-lethal Chemical Weapons. Non-lethal chemical weapons, which belong among the mass destruction weapons, have been one of the most frequently discussed topics recently. These weapons are able to disbar manpower or combat technology and weapons smartly and temporarily with minimum costs. The range of possible application of chemical weapons as non-lethal is probably wider compared to any other type, and there are a lot of means capable of immediate wide application nowadays. The possibility to produce highly efficient psychotropic substances with controllable action time, human immobilizing substances is particularly pointed out. The main aim of my work is to clarify the importance of non-lethal chemical weapons as possible means of suppressing inner turmoil and to find the extent of knowledge of non-lethal chemical weapons among the informed and the general public by means of obtained answers and follow-up research, then to confirm hypotheses that the informed public consider non-lethal chemical weapons to be combat means and weapon systems intended for temporary putting people out of combat or other intentional activity; that the general public perceive non-lethal chemical weapons as health endangering substances and have only limited information about them, by means of selected statistical methods. I chose questionnaire survey to examine awareness of the general and informed public of this matter. The statistic sets in both the groups consist of a hundred respondents from the city of České Budějovice. Stratified selection was performed for both the examined sets upon consultation with a member of the Fire Brigade in České Budějovice. In terms of threat to the population it is important to ensure its safety, namely upon the knowledge among the units of the Integrated Emergency System intervening in the instance of terroristic attack.
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Comparison of radiological and chemical weapons in the context of their use in terrorist attacks against civilians
GUBRICKÝ, Václav
The thesis is focused on radiological and chemical weapons in the context of their use in terrorist attacks against the civilian population in relation to rescue and clean up operations of the Integrated Rescue System (IRS) of the Czech Republic. The objective of the thesis is to specify the terms of radiological and chemical weapons, to assess potential negative consequences of their use with the emphasis on the threat to life and health of the population, to evaluate the economic impact on society and to compare the IRS activities during the immediate intervention carried out after a terrorist attack. The topic is dealt with based on the research and the analysis of rules of law in force regulating activities of the IRS components in these major incidents and also of documents of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and other works focused on the misuse of radioactive and chemical agents in terrorist attacks. Severity and complexity of the issue is illustrated by information given on the radiological accident in Goiana in Brazil, sarin attacks of the Japanese sect Óm šinrikjó and consequences of the model example of the use of radionuclide 137Cs. In the thesis the current methodology on which the IRS components operate in such emergencies is analyzed, and some aspects that are subject of the set of type activities, worked out by the Civil Emergency Planning Committee and DG Fire Rescue Service of the CR, which may become weak points during a real action of the IRS, are pointed out. One of major issues analyzed in this study is comparison of radiological and chemical attacks with the focus on the initial phase of the intervention of the IRS components. Presentation of differences in individual activities of the IRS components in such interventions can contribute significantly to understanding and subsequently managing the activities carried out by the IRS components in these major incidents.
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The Current State of Destruction of Chemical Weapons in the World
HELEŠIC, Jiří
The subject of this thesis is a description, mapping and assessment of the present situation concerning the destruction of chemical weapons in the world. This thesis also attempts to predict the future development in this area. The introductory part presents the meaning of essential terms, the characteristics of chemical weapons, the classification of chemical warfare agents, the history of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction, the description of this document and the subsequent formation and work of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemi-cal Weapons, its relations with the United Nations and an overview of the countries which stay outside the commitments of chemical disarmament. The goal of this work was to explore and evaluate the present situation concerning the destruction of chemical weapons in the world and to try to predict further develop-ment in this area. The methods used to map this problematic situation were to gather information from professional sources and involved organizations, then to compare the results of each country during their chemical weapons destruction in relation to their obligations to complete the liquidation. The outcome of this work was the confirmation of the hypothesis that despite the great efforts of the international society, despite the great efforts of general public and each country{\crq}s involved subjects at the national chemical weapons destruction in the world, this work has been succeeding very slowly and with great difficulties. To achieve complete disarmament will lie on the condition that countries will be subjected to effec-tive international control and that negotiations with countries which still stay outside the process of chemical disarmament will be hold even after the final deadline for disarma-ment in 2012.
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The history of chemical wars
HORKÁ, Jana
Chemical weapons count among the weapons of mass destruction. In addition to chemical weapons, also nuclear and biological weapons belong here. Historically, chemical weapons rank among the oldest ones. Their initial steps were made in the distant past, even if they were not called so then. However, the initial utilization of chemical agents against human force is more connected with fire. It was used for protection against attacks of animals as well as people. Later on it was used to protect or capture towns and fortifications. The most extensive use of chemical weapons in war occurred during World War I. A large number of chemical substances was tested, the most important being phosgene. In 1917, German army used vesicant yperite near the town of Ypres. The development of chemical warfare agents continued also after the year 1918. During World War II, chemical weapons were practically not used. If it happened, then on the secondary fronts only. The main reason was the fear of possible retaliation. From 1939 to 1945, huge amounts of chemical warfare agents were made. Towards the end of the war this stockpile amounted to approximately 400 000 tonnes. After World War II, a new stage of chemical armament has begun. The greatest attention was concentrated on nerve agents, sarin, soman and agent VX. Chemical warfare agents have been further used also after the year 1945. In the not so distant past, Iraq used nerve-paralyzing agents and yperite during the Iran-Iraq War (1980 {--} 1988). Last but not least, the use of chemical warfare agents for terrorist purposes is to be mentioned. In January 1993, the global fight against chemical weapons culminated in signing of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction. Under this Convention, chemical weapons were to be liquidated until the year 2007. States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention which did not comply with this deadline have asked for prolongation of the final deadlines for chemical weapons liquidation until 29 April 2012. The question remains if even this prolongation will fulfil the goal of the Convention {--} to ensure a world without chemical weapons. Until the time when the stockpiles of chemical weapons are completely liquidated their possible misuse cannot be excluded. The states which have not joined the Convention as yet and own limited stockpiles of chemical weapons can use them.
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