Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare

Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare

The Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare aims to pay tribute to the victims of chemical weapons and to reaffirm our resolve to eliminate their use worldwide. This important observance highlights the global commitment to protect civilians from the devastating effects of unregulated warfare and strengthens multilateral efforts in the disarmament and non-proliferation of chemical weapons. The event also emphasizes the critical need for global adherence to international norms and agreements, such as the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Established by the United Nations in 2005, the Day of Remembrance signifies the anniversary of the Chemical Weapons Convention entering into force. Canada has continually expressed a commitment to the elimination of chemical weapons and was among the first countries to sign and ratify the Convention in 1997. Canada has consistently supported diplomatic efforts to eradicate the use of chemical weapons and, as a member of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), contributes to promoting peace and security by acknowledging the solemn day on a national level.

In Canada, the Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare is observed each year on April 29th, alongside other member countries of the OPCW. The Canadian public honors the memory of thousands of victims around the world, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in preventing the re-emergence of these devastating weapons. By commemorating this day, Canada reinforces its national commitment to ensuring that future generations are spared the horrific consequences of chemical warfare.

Facts about victims of chemical warfare

• Chemical weapons were used for the first time on a large scale in battle during World War I at the battle of Ypres in 1915. The chemical that was used as a weapon was chlorine gas.
• According to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, as of 2023, 100% of the world's chemical weapons stockpile has been destroyed.
• There are three different schedules of chemicals:
  1) Schedule One: these are typically used in weapons such as sarin and mustard gas
  2) Schedule Two: these are used in weapons such as amiton and BZ
  3) Schedule Three: these are typically the least toxic chemicals and are used for research and the production of medicines.
• In the 1960s, Agent Orange, a highly toxic herbicide, was tested at the Canadian Forces Base in Gagetown, New Brunswick. The testing exposed military personnel, civilian workers, and civilians living near the base to the dangerous chemicals. Several health issues, including cancers and birth defects, have since been linked to the exposure.
• During the 1950s and 1960s, the Canadian government participated in the CIA-sponsored Project MKULTRA, which involved research on mind control and chemical interrogation methods. Some experiments involved the use of hallucinogenic drugs such as LSD, which subjected unwitting participants to potentially harmful experiences.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare

Top things to do in Canada for this observance

• Spread awareness on social media by using the hashtags #peacenotwar and #remembranceforallchemicalwarfarevictims
• Visit the site of some of the chemical weapon use. Some ideas, the Battlefields of Ypres, the Battlefields of Passchendaele and the Tokyo Subway.
• Visit local memorials and museums that commemorate the victims of chemical warfare. Learn about their stories, experiences, and the broader historical context. Pay homage to the victims by leaving flowers or other tributes.
• At a specific time, light a candle or observe a moment of silence to remember the victims. Encourage others to participate and reflect on the devastating impact of chemical warfare.