ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses Syria's chemical weapons development and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) investigation of their use. The Convention's primary provisions are to destroy chemical weapons under international verification by the OPCW and to prevent the proliferation of chemical weapons. In the removal of Syria's capacity for engaging in chemical warfare, the international response was measurably effective with countries acting in unison to address Syria's chemical weapons capability. Under the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle the responsibility of the international community is triggered by use of these prohibited weapons. R2P is also not primarily intended as a new validation aimed at authorizing military intervention rather it claims to be focused on preventive efforts to address potential humanitarian crises. The OPCW became directly involved in the Syrian crisis in 2013 after allegations surfaced of chemical weapons, being used there.
