PGA’s International Peace and Security Program was very pleased to be informed that South Sudan has deposited its Instrument of Accession to the Biological Weapons Convention on 15th February 2023.

PGA congratulates the Government of South Sudan on the occasion of the deposit of its Instrument of Accession to the BWC and expresses the sincere hope that this achievement may also serve to inspire, directly or indirectly, the taking of steps needed to restore peace and security at the national level.

PGA would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the many different important contributions made by PGA members, Hon. Alma Yak and Hon. Stanslaus Jada since 2018 and also, more recently, by Amb. Joshua Franco Paul of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, leading to this milestone event.

PGA also recognizes the important contributions made by certain other key stakeholders, including, most notably, by the BWC Implementation Support Unit, as well as regional organizations and several UN Member States

• Hon. Alma Yak MP

  South Sudan

South Sudan, the youngest country in the world, is now set to join the BWC as the 185th State Party. As the world came to a standstill with the emergence of Covid 19, it is now clear that the world is continuously facing unforeseen threats from Biological Pathogens which can be easily used as weapons by non-state actors to cause grievous harm to Humans, Animals and Plants. Joining the Convention had a lot of unforeseen hurdles and we sincerely thank PGA for the unwavering support and encouragement to the team of South Sudan. God bless PGA for all the hard work that they are doing to keep the World Safe and Secure. Dr. Alma Yak MP (South Sudan)

• Hon. Ann-Sophie Alm MP

  Sweden

I am very pleased to have been informed that South Sudan has become the 185th State to the Biological Weapons Convention. Since 2016, PGA Membership has made vital and decisive contributions leading to 7 States joining this crucial international treaty. With adequate support, we sincerely hope to be able to continue this essential work with our membership worldwide, making these core contributions to national, regional and international peace and security. Hon. Ann-Sophie Alm MP (Sweden), Convenor of PGA International Peace and Security Program

• Hon. Angela Brown-Burke MP

  Jamaica

I was glad to find out earlier today that South Sudan has officially become the 185th State Party to the Biological Weapons Convention. The fact that South Sudan, a country currently facing so many serious and devastating challenges at the national level has nevertheless been able to take this important step only serves to highlight the extraordinary importance of the BWC, now more than ever, in promoting fundamental biosecurity goals worldwide. This is indeed good news and an inspiration to other Parliamentarians working towards the same goal. Hon. Angela Brown-Burke, MP (Jamaica), Deputy Convenor, PGA International Peace and Security Program

PGA is grateful to Global Affairs Canada for its longstanding support of PGA's Campaign to Promote Universality and Implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention and Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004).

PGA’s work on supporting the universalisation of the BWC was supported by Effective Giving.

Background links:

• Instrument of Accession (January 2023)
• South Sudan set to ratify biological weapons convention (2019)
• Regional Africa Parliamentary Workshop to Promote Universality and Implementation of The BTWC and Implementation of UNSC Resolution 1540 (2004) – October 2018
• PGA Regional African Workshop to Promote Biological Security - May 2022
• PGA Participates in the Ninth Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention (November-December 2022)
• South Sudan – The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has approved the Biological Weapons Convention - December 2022
• The President of South Sudan has assented to accession by South Sudan to the Biological Weapons Convention - December 2022