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 honours the memories of those who have suffered and died as a result of the use of chemical weapons in armed conflicts. Established by the United Nations, the day aims to highlight the threat that chemical warfare poses to global peace, security, and human lives. It also serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of nations towards the complete elimination of chemical weapons and the promotion of international cooperation towards that end.

The adoption of this day can be traced back to the 2005 United Nations General Assembly resolution, where it was decided to observe a day of remembrance for the victims of chemical warfare annually. India, a country historically affected by chemical warfare, especially considering the tragedy of the Bhopal gas disaster, also commemorates this observance. In the city of Bhopal, a toxic gas leak escaped the insecticide plant, killing an estimated 20000 people, and many more suffered from the long-term effects of a chemical disaster. Though not an act of war, this remains one of the worst industrial disasters globally. India has since demonstrated its commitment to counter chemical threats by ratifying the Chemical Weapons Convention in 1996.

On the Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare, events and programs in India aim to raise awareness about the dangers of chemical weapons and promote cooperation to prevent their use or proliferation. Educational institutions, governmental bodies, and non-governmental organizations are involved in organizing discussions, seminars, and workshops to enlighten the participants about the hazards of chemical weapons. The observance is marked on 26th April, as designated by the United Nations, and the common goal remains to ensure a world free of chemical weapons for a safer and more secure future.

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.
• The Bhopal Gas Tragedy resulted in the immediate deaths of approximately 3,800 people and caused irreversible injuries to thousands more. Long-term effects led to an estimated total of 15,000-30,000 deaths, with hundreds of thousands of people still suffering from chronic health problems.
• The site of the Bhopal plant has not been fully decontaminated, resulting in ongoing exposure to toxic chemicals for the local population. Groundwater and soil in the surrounding area are heavily contaminated, leading to chronic health issues and birth defects among those living nearby.

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

Top things to do in India 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.
• Arrange a gathering or ceremony to honor the victims of chemical warfare. You can invite survivors, their families, and community members to share their stories, light candles, say prayers, or hold a moment of silence in remembrance.
• Take part in advocacy campaigns to highlight the need for stronger international laws and regulations to prevent the use of chemical weapons. Contact local politicians, join activist groups, or create petitions to raise awareness and push for stronger legislation.