Speaking at the UN Security Council on 8 January 2026, UK Deputy Political Coordinator Caroline Quinn welcomed Syria’s leadership for committing to eradicate chemical weapons, grounding the message in the Chemical Weapons Convention and Security Council Resolution 2118. The statement marked “a year since the fall of the Assad regime,” underscoring a changed context for verification and accountability. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/we-welcome-the-syrian-leaderships-commitment-to-eradicate-chemical-weapons-uk-statement-at-the-un-security-council))
The UK highlighted progress during 2025, noting multiple OPCW deployments that broadened understanding of the Assad‑era programme and revealed evidence of previously undeclared activity. Independent reporting through the year similarly pointed to newly accessible sites and documents relevant to Syria’s chemical weapons record. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/we-welcome-the-syrian-leaderships-commitment-to-eradicate-chemical-weapons-uk-statement-at-the-un-security-council))
One procedural shift cited by the UK was the OPCW Executive Council’s 8 October 2025 decision (EC‑110/DEC.1) enabling expedited on‑site destruction of any remnants discovered in Syria, allowing urgent hazards to be addressed immediately upon identification. ([opcw.org](https://www.opcw.org/media-centre/featured-topics/opcw-and-syria?utm_source=openai))
The UK also referenced the decision taken at the Thirtieth Conference of the States Parties on 28 November 2025 tasking the Executive Council to assess conditions for restoring Syria’s rights and privileges at the OPCW, advancing the process towards lifting the 2021 suspension (C‑25/DEC.9). ([opcw.org](https://www.opcw.org/media-centre/news/2025/11/conference-tasks-executive-council-assess-conditions-restoring-syrias?utm_source=openai))
London welcomed a continuous OPCW presence in Syria and noted diplomatic normalisation steps. Qatar has represented Syria at the OPCW since January 2025, while Damascus has reactivated its mission in The Hague and appointed a new Permanent Representative. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/we-welcome-the-syrian-leaderships-commitment-to-eradicate-chemical-weapons-uk-statement-at-the-un-security-council))
Funding was a central theme. The UK called for significant and sustainable financial and in‑kind support to complete the elimination of remaining Assad‑era capabilities. Britain reports contributing over $3.8 million since December 2024 to Syria‑related OPCW missions, alongside a separate £2 million voluntary contribution in July 2025; other States Parties, including Germany, have also provided additional funds. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/we-welcome-the-syrian-leaderships-commitment-to-eradicate-chemical-weapons-uk-statement-at-the-un-security-council?utm_source=openai))
Operationally, the OPCW Technical Secretariat has undertaken repeated deployments since February–April 2025, visiting both declared and previously undeclared locations. Analysis of samples collected in April indicated markers consistent with nerve agents, and the Secretariat has signalled that more than 100 locations may require visits across Syria. ([opcw.org](https://www.opcw.org/media-centre/news/2025/09/opcw-director-general-receives-qatars-minister-state-foreign-affairs?utm_source=openai))
The UK reiterated that Syria’s co‑operation is being measured against obligations set out in the CWC and Resolution 2118, with the UN disarmament chief continuing monthly Council briefings on the Syria file. Attribution and accountability mandates within the OPCW architecture remain part of the engagement Syria has now publicly acknowledged. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/we-welcome-the-syrian-leaderships-commitment-to-eradicate-chemical-weapons-uk-statement-at-the-un-security-council))
The wider political context has shifted since December 2024, with the fall of Bashar al‑Assad followed by visible engagement between Syria’s interim authorities, the OPCW and the UN, including Security Council appearances by the Syrian foreign minister and subsequent electoral steps. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/assads-fall-brings-the-moment-rid-syria-chemical-weapons-2024-12-09/?utm_source=openai))
Policy watchers should track three items in 2026: Executive Council deliberations on restoring Syria’s OPCW rights; further deployments and site access to operationalise expedited destruction; and whether donor financing sustains a reinforced presence to support verification and safety work. The UK urged Council members and the international community to assist. ([opcw.org](https://www.opcw.org/media-centre/news/2025/11/conference-tasks-executive-council-assess-conditions-restoring-syrias?utm_source=openai))