Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare: Why We Cannot Turn Away

November 26, 2025
Blog

Every November 30, the international community holds its breath for a moment. We pause to remember that the Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare is more than a date on the calendar. It is a profoundly human moment: a chance to honor those who have suffered, and to recalibrate our shared mission. This is not about treaties or numbers. It is about people.

A Memory That Matters and Why It Is Still Relevant

The idea of this day is simple and powerful. Established by the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention, the observance takes place during the Conference of the States Parties.

It is a formal moment, yes, with minute-long silences, wreaths, and speeches, but what really matters is the heart behind it.

When we come together on this day, we are reminded of the human cost of chemical warfare. Victims are not abstract statistics. They are individuals who lost their health, their families, and their dignity. We remember not just the dead, but those still living, those whose lives were forever changed.

You might look around and think, “Haven’t most declared stockpiles been destroyed?” You would be right. Under OPCW verification, over 99 percent of declared chemical weapons have been destroyed. That is an extraordinary achievement, one that few disarmament efforts can match.

Yet, this day is not a victory lap. Ambassador Fernando Arias, the OPCW Director-General, has consistently used it to warn against complacency. Despite the destruction of declared weapons, the risk has not vanished. The global security environment remains volatile, and new scientific advances make it easier for bad actors to reenter the game.

Remembering and Supporting the Real People

What makes this day especially poignant is how many survivors still live with the effects of exposure. For them, “remembrance” cannot stay symbolic. That is why the OPCW backs practical measures. The International Support Network for Victims of Chemical Weapons and a voluntary trust fund provide medical, financial, and psychosocial support.

There are also public declarations. The Ieper Declaration, issued during the centennial of the first large-scale chemical weapons attack in Ypres, strongly reaffirms the moral conviction shared by many: chemical weapons are inhuman and must be rejected utterly. Survivors often join commemorations as honored guests, sharing their voices, stories, and bravery.

Staying Vigilant in a Changing World

Despite the significant progress we have made, there are real risks that cannot be ignored. First, not every country is on board. Universal membership in the Chemical Weapons Convention is still a goal.

Second, newer threats loom large. Non-state actors, for example, could try to develop or use chemical agents. Emerging technologies make this more plausible than ever. Ambassador Arias, in his 2024 message, made it clear that the norm against chemical warfare is under strain, and it is on all of us to uphold it.

Third, even though fewer weapons are declared now, the lingering scars of past use remain. For survivors, the injustice is not just about what was destroyed, but about what was taken from them, often without proper recognition or care.

Why Nonprofits and NGOs Should Care and Lead

For organizations in the international nonprofit sector, this day is a call to action, not just reflection. It is an opportunity to elevate voices that may otherwise be silenced. It is a time to push for stronger support systems for survivors. And it is a moment to remind governments and institutions that disarmament is not a checkbox; it is a living responsibility.

We also play a role in bridging gaps, connecting survivors with services, advocating for trust funds, helping document the ongoing impacts, and promoting universal adherence to the Convention. Every NGO working on disarmament, human rights, or global health can lend muscle to this mission.

Remembering those who have suffered chemical warfare is not just an act of humility. It is a powerful motivator. On November 30, as we bow our heads, let us also lift our voices for a world that truly refuses not just weapons, but the suffering they bring.

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