A two-day stakeholders’ workshop on “Legislative Implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention” (BWC) kicked off on Tuesday 10 June 2025, at the Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel in Port Louis. The primary objective of the workshop is to identify gaps and strengthen Mauritius’ national legislative framework to ensure full compliance with the provisions of the BWC.
The event was attended by key figures, including the Director General of Health Services, Mr. Ashwamedsing Dinassing; the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms. Lisa Simirique Singh; Mr. Matthew Loken, Minister Counsellor at the High Commission of Canada in South Africa; Mr. Tom Green, the Countering Illicit Finance Adviser from the United Kingdom; and other distinguished personalities.
In his opening address, Dr. Dinassing emphasized the significance of the BWC as a fundamental pillar of the global disarmament and non-proliferation regime. He reflected on Mauritius’s commitment, noting that the country acceded to the Convention in 1976, reaffirming its dedication to the peaceful application of biological sciences in sectors such as health, agriculture, and research.
The Director General highlighted that the government has taken several measures to uphold its obligations under the BWC. These include substantial investments in public health infrastructure, implementation of biosafety protocols, and the enforcement of laboratory standards. He also pointed out that Mauritius enacted the Biological Weapons and Toxins Convention Act in 2004 to reinforce its commitment.
Dr. Dinassing drew attention to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing how it vividly demonstrated the far-reaching consequences of biological threats on lives, societies, and economies. This experience underscores the urgent need for robust biosafety and biosecurity systems worldwide. Recognizing that Mauritius remains vulnerable due to factors such as increased tourism, foreign workers, and international trade, he cautioned that reinforcing biosecurity measures at borders and points of entry is more crucial than ever.
He called for the urgent development of a comprehensive legislative framework that criminalizes the misuse of biological agents, establishes effective control mechanisms, and fosters collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health sectors. Dr. Dinassing expressed hope that the workshop would empower stakeholders through targeted capacity building, raising awareness, and legislative preparednesss — key steps to safeguarding public health and national security.
Ms. Singh addressed the gathering, describing the BWC as a cornerstone of global peace and disarmament. She underscored the vital role countries like Mauritius play in implementing the Convention and expressed appreciation for Mauritius’s support. She also looked forward to exploring new avenues for collaboration.
Mr. Matthew Loken reiterated Canada’s strong support for the BWC, highlighting the importance of combating biological threats across Africa. Meanwhile, Mr. Tom Green from the UK emphasized the critical need for effective implementation of the BWC, noting that its application is central to the UK’s biological strategy. He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting African nations through capacity building, technical assistance, and fulfilling their obligations under the Convention.
The workshop exemplifies how international cooperation can bolster efforts to address biological threats and build resilience. The Biological Weapons Convention, which entered into force on 26 March 1975, remains a key component of the multilateral disarmament regime, with 187 States parties committed to eliminating biological and toxin weapons.