A peer-review mechanism for the biological and toxin weapons convention

At the Seventh Review Conference of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) in December 2011, a working paper submitted by France sought to initiate debate on the potential of developing a peer review system for the BTWC to build confidence in the implementation of the Convention. The concept of peer review has precedent in the activities of a number of other international organizations, yet the objectives, format, participants and structure of peer review mechanisms vary. Accordingly, this report seeks to take forward this debate by looking at what peer review is; how it works elsewhere; how it could be applied in the context of the BTWC; what would be required to move forward; and what possible advantages or disadvantages a peer-review process would confer to the BTWC in light of the Convention’s recent history