International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW)
Website: http://www.ippnw.org/
Category: Peace
Year of Foundation: 1980
Location of Foundation: Geneva, Switzerland
Location of Headquarters: Somerville, MA, USA
Brief Description: IPPNW describes itself as 'a non-partisan federation of national medical organizations in 62 countries, representing thousands of doctors, medical students, health workers, and concerned citizens who are united behind the goal of creating a more peaceful and secure world freed from the threat of nuclear annihilation.' (Source: www.ippnw.org; accessed 19 May 2010).
Founding Rationales:
At the First Congress of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War held in Airlie, Virginia, in March 1981, the following statement on 'What Physicians Can Do To Prevent Nuclear War' was put forward: 'Review available information on the medical implications of nuclear weapons, nuclear war and related subjects. Provide information by lectures, publications and other means to the medical and related professions and to the public on the subject of nuclear war. Bring to the attention of all concerned with public policy the medical implications of nuclear weapons. Encourage studies of the psychological obstacles created by the unprecedented destructive power of nuclear weapons and the ways in which these obstacles prevent realistic appraisal of the dangers of nuclear weapons. Develop a resource center for education on the dangers of nuclear weapons and nuclear war. Initiate discussion to develop an international law banning the use of nuclear weapons similar to the laws which outlaw the use of chemical and biological weapons. Seek the cooperation of the medical and related professions in all countries for these aims. Encourage the formation in all countries of groups of physicians and committees within established medical societies to pursue the aims of education and information on the medical effects of nuclear weapons. Establish an international organization to coordinate the activities of the various national medical groups working for the prevention of nuclear war.'
Source: 'Proceedings of the First Congress of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, Airlie, Virginia, March 20-25 1981' (Boston, MA: International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, Inc., 1981), p. 7.
Evolution of Membership:
Source: http://www.ippnw.org/About/Milestones.html (accessed 19 May 2010).