Description

The purpose of this Parliamentary Handbook (available in English and Arabic) is to provide readers, inside and outside Parliaments alike, with some insights into the uniquely multi-faceted and consequential contributions that Parliamentarians worldwide can make in addressing the grave threats posed by Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) to international peace and security.

The danger posed by these weapons, either in the hands of Rogue States or non-State Actors, has never been more real and immediate than it is today. All decision-makers, be they in Governments, Parliaments or elsewhere, that find themselves in a position to mitigate these devastating threats, must do so with a great sense of purpose and an equal sense of urgency.

Parliamentarians have a fundamental role to play in promoting ratification and implementation of international treaties that seek to prevent the usage, manufacture, development and proliferation of WMD. In parallel, and equipped with the same parliamentary prerogative powers of oversight and accountability at their disposal, Parliamentarians are also extraordinarily well-placed, more generally, and in parallel, to make decisive contributions in promoting Biosecurity as well as Biorisk Management Best Practices within their respective Parliaments and countries.