Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare Date in the current year: November 30, 2024

Chemical weapons are devices that use toxic chemicals to cause sensory irritation, temporary incapacitation, injury, or death. They are classified as weapons of mass destruction.

The Chemical Weapons Convention outlaws the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons and their precursors. It was signed on January 13, 1993, and came into effect on April 29, 1997. As of October 2013, 190 states have ratified or acceded to the treaty.

The Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare was established in November 2005. It was suggested by Argentine diplomat Rogelio Pfirter, who served as the Director General of the Organization of the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons at the time. Originally observed on April 29, it was moved to November 30 in 2015.

This memorial day focuses on commemorating the victims of chemical weapons as well as raising awareness about the importance of giving up chemical warfare and eliminating stockpiles of chemical weapons. It promotes the goals of international security, peaceful coexistence and multilateralism.