UNSCOM (United Nations Special Commission) was an international organization established in 1991 by the United Nations Security Council to oversee the disarmament and monitoring process in Iraq following the Gulf War. Its primary mandate was to inspect and verify Iraq's compliance with the provisions of UN resolutions demanding the elimination of their weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and long-range missiles.
The main functions of UNSCOM included the inspection and destruction of Iraq's chemical, biological, and missile capabilities, as well as monitoring and surveillance to ensure Iraq's compliance with non-proliferation obligations. The organization employed a combination of on-site inspections, interviews, document reviews, and monitoring techniques to gather evidence and assess Iraq's compliance with its obligations.
UNSCOM's inspectors were highly trained experts from various fields, possessing knowledge in nuclear physics, chemistry, biology, missile technology, and other related areas. They conducted rigorous inspections and investigations in Iraq to detect and document any violations of UN resolutions related to WMDs.
The work of UNSCOM was crucial in providing transparency and accountability regarding Iraq's disarmament process. The organization played a significant role in uncovering and eliminating various weapons programs, including the destruction of chemical weapons stockpiles, dismantling missile-production facilities, and uncovering evidence of Iraq's nuclear weapons program.
In summary, UNSCOM was an international organization established by the UN Security Council to oversee Iraq's disarmament process. Through inspections, monitoring, and verification, it sought to ensure Iraq's compliance with UN resolutions demanding the elimination of weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles. UNSCOM's work contributed to greater transparency and security in the region.
