By Oreoluwa Omotayo Oduniyi
Abstract
Conflicts, particularly violent armed conflicts, are a recurring component of human existence. It has a negative impact on both those directly participating and those not directly involved, particularly with the deployment of chemical weapons. Limiting the detrimental effects of this form of unconventional weapon in armed conflict is one of international humanitarian law’s most important objectives. The history of any given concept, society, innovation is very important and should never be underplayed. This article examines the historical development of the deployment of chemical weapons in armed conflict. It highlights the nature of chemical weapons and the trajectory of its deployment. It sheds light on the effect of chemical weapons in armed conflicts. It finds that chemical weapons are being deployed in recent armed conflicts with devastating effect on people. This article also brings to the fore the need to address the continued deployment of chemical weapons in armed conflict. This article concludes that there in need to re-appraise the existing legal and institutional frameworks for combating the use of chemical weapons in armed conflict to create a safer world for all.