Biological Weapons Convention
Second Regional Workshop: Proceedings

IN MARCH 2006 THE SECOND BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION REGIONAL WORKSHOP WAS CO-HOSTED BY THE AUSTRALIAN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE AND THE INDONESIAN DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE ASIA PACIFIC CENTRE FOR MILITARY LAW.

The Second BWC Regional Workshop was held in Bali, Indonesia on 6-7 March 2006. This was a follow up to the First BWC Regional Workshop held at the University of Melbourne Law School in February 2005. The Workshops provide a regional forum for discussion of effective national implementation of the 1975 Biological Weapons Convention.

The Workshop was again convened by Dr Bob Mathews, a Principal Research Scientist with the Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation, along with Hasan Kleib and Mrs Ratu Silvy Gayatri, Director and Deputy Director respectively for International Security and Disarmament in the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Thirty seven participants attended the Second Workshop, with representatives from Indonesia, Australia, Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam. The Australian delegation included representatives from the APCML (Dr Bob Mathews, LTCOL Geoff Cameron CSC, Treasa Dunworth and Sarah Finnin), the Department of Defence, Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The objectives of the Second Workshop were to promote regional awareness of and engagement in the BWC; to discuss the importance of bio-security; to examine national mechanisms for maintenance of the security and oversight of pathogenic micro-organisms and toxins; to facilitate the establishment of a forum for networking with a view to developing partnerships in enhancing bio-security and bio-safety; and to provide a forum for sharing of information.

The discussions held in Bali will constitute the basis of a second edited volume to the Proceedings of BWC Regional Workshops, which is expected to be completed and available on this website in the second half of 2006.

Download the full Proceedings (PDF)

Download the Proceedings in separate parts:

Introductory Pages
Title Page
ISBN & Cataloguing-in-Publication
Table of Contents
Foreword by Dr Bob Mathews
List of Participants
Photograph of Participants

I Opening Addresses
Opening Speech, by His Excellency the Indonesian Ambassador, M Slamet Hidayat
Opening Remarks, by Dr Bob Mathews
Workshop Convenor's Overview of the Second BWC Regional Workshop

II Legislation Requirements
Implementing Toolbox & Drafting Elements for the BWC, by Ms Treasa Dunworth & Dor Bob Mathews
The Importance of Legislation, by Ms Marlene Castle

III Security of Pathogenic Micro-Organisms & Toxins
Update on the Council of Australian Governments Review of Hazardous Biological Materials, by Dr Anthony Willis
WHO Risk Group 3 & 4 Pathogens: Specific Measures for Enhancing Security in Laboratories & Other Facilities, by Dr Erna Tresnaningsih

IV The Role of Domestic Agencies in Supporting Bio-Security
The Role of Domestic Agencies in Supporting Bio-Security Measures in Malaysia, by Raja Reza Raja Zaib Shah
The Role of Domestic Agencies in Supporting Bio-Security Measures in Indonesia, by Dr R M Abdul Adjid
The Role of Domestic Agencies in Supporting Bio-Security Measures in Viet Nam, by Vu Van Mien
The Role of Domestic Agencies in Supporting Bio-Security Measures in Thailand, by Maj Gen Suebpong Sangkharomya

V Promoting Awareness
Promoting Awareness Amongst the Scientific Community of the Possible Misuse of Pathogens, Micro-Organisms & Toxins, by Dr Isroil Samihardjo
Promoting Awareness Amongst the Scientific Community in the Philippines, by Dr Socorro P Lupisan
Promoting Awareness Amongst the Scientific Community in Australia, by Rhys Hayward

VI Codes of Conduct
Codes of Conduct for Scientists & the Biological Weapons Convention, by Dr Bob Mathews

VII Future Regional Activities
BWC Second Regional Workshop Summary of Deliberations
Follow-Up Activities in the Region

Annexes
Annex 1 Legislative Toolbox, by Ms Treasa Dunworth, Dr Bob Mathews & Professor Tim McCormack
Annex 2 Template of an Institution or Worksplace Code, by Dr Bob Mathews
Annex 2 Security Council Resolution 1540
Annex 3 Report of the Meeting of Experts (2005)
Annex 4 Report of the Meeting of States Parties (2005)