On 23 and 24 September 2002 the ICRC convened a meeting in Montreux, Switzerland, on "Biotechnology, Weapons and Humanity." This meeting brought together government and independent experts to discuss concerns related to the fields of biotechnology, biological weapons, disarmament law, international humanitarian law, ethics and social responsibility.


During the meeting, the ICRC President, Jakob Kellenberger, presented the ICRC Appeal to the governments and experts attending. A draft Declaration on Biotechnology, Weapons and Humanity was also given to governments proposing a range of measures which could reduce the potential for biotechnology to be put to hostile uses.

Summary report of the meeting