Join us on 10 June 2024 for this expert panel discussion, co-organised with the Municipality of the Hague, on the important role of civil society in arms control. Diplomats, civil servants and academics will discuss the latest developments and pertinent challenges faced by civil society groups in this field.

Arms control has long been perceived as a policy field exclusively in the hands of governmental actors. Over time, however, civil society actors have become increasingly involved in the making of arms control law, in its implementation and in ensuring its effectiveness. Campaigns such as the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear weapons (ICAN) are prominent examples of drivers of arms control agreements.

Today, we have to more carefully consider the implementation and effectiveness of institutions aiming at arms control. One example to be discussed is the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, and the role of civil society in its work. Another example are non-governmental organisations pursuing strategic litigation at the level of national law to ensure compliance, among others, with the Arms Trade Treaty.

Confirmed Speakers:

• Dr León Castellanos-Jankiewicz (Asser Institute)
• Dr Simone Wisotzki (Peace Research Institute Frankfurt)
  
• Ambassador Thomas Schieb (Permanent Representation of Germany to the OPCW)
• Alejandra Muñoz (PAX for Peace)
• Elisabeth Wächter (OPCW)
• Moderated by Prof. Dr Thilo Marauhn (Asser Institute; Justus Liebig University Giessen; Peace Research Institute Frankfurt)