Dr Sue Wareham gave this speech at Adelaide's Festival of Peace and Remembrance on 9 November 2008. Dr Wareham launched a statement signed by 36 diverse organisations, calling for governments to cease supporting arms exhibitions, and to support industries that promote wellbeing; and launched 12 new fact sheets on the global weapons trade, and spoke about human suffering caused by wars. (See "resources" on this website for the fact sheets, and the statement and list of signatories).

All 12 fact sheets on the global weapons trade prepared by MAPW with the Uniting Church, Quakers and Pax Christi; including Australia's role in armaments production; particular weapons; environmental effects of war; and particular weapons manufacturers. These fact sheets provide a succinct introduction to the human costs of weapons production. * Large file: fact sheets also available for individual download.

"NO War Fair! NO APDSE! YES to Peace! is the title of a joint statement launched in November 2008, signed by 36 civil society organisations, calling on Australian and state governments, and governments of other nations, to withdraw support from all arms exhibitions, and to support industries that promote sustainability and life.

This fact sheet looks at Thales and its role in arms production globally and as one of Australia's largest weapons manufacturers; with a particular focus on the health effects of small arms. It was prepared by Dale Hess and is No 12 in a series on the global weapons trade.

This fact sheet looks at BAE Systems and its role in arms production globally and in Australia. It particularly looks at allegations of corruption in arms trading. It was prepared by Dale Hess and is No 10 in a series on the global weapons trade.

This fact sheet looks Boeing and its role in arms production  and in particular Boeing's role in missile defence. It was prepared by Dale Hess and is No 9 in a series on the global weapons trade.

This fact sheet looks at Lockheed Martin and its role in arms production globally and in Australia; including their role in producing cluster bombs. It was prepared by Dale Hess and is No 8 in a series on the global weapons trade.

ICANi submission to the 2008 Defence White Paper. This paper argues that Australia must work consistently for nuclear abolition through a nuclear weapons convention;  and adopt a nuclear weapon free defence posture.

The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest growing market for armaments in the world. This fact sheet describes the connection between conflict in the region, and Australia's past arms exports. It is No 2 in a series on the global weapons trade.

In August 2008, an arms fair planned for Adelaide, South Australia, was cancelled after public protest and a growing campaign to protest at the fair. Three weeks later, an arms fair planned for Ottawa in Canada was cancelled after a public campaign. This fact sheet is No 5 in a series on the global arms trade, and looks at the role of these weapons trade fairs.

This fact sheet looks at military budgets, major arms exporting countries, and the comparative costs of human health and welfare. It is No 4 in a series on the global weapons trade.

There are around 875 million small arms in the world. Guns injure over a million people every year, and kill 300,000. This fact sheet outlines the problem. It is No 3 in a series on the global weapons trade.

Although small by world standards, Australia has a significant industry involved in the manufacture and sales of armaments and military equipment. This fact sheet describes Australia's arms earnings and arms exports, and is No 1 in a series on the global weapons trade.

Flyer for Victorian Branch MAPW meeting, October 14 2008. Speakers: Dr Melanie Archer, who worked as a forensic entomologist assisting with autopsies in the Solomon Islands; and Dr Mark Zirnsak, on the human rights impacts of the global arms trade.

This statement opposing the Asia Pacific Defence and Security Exhibition - and arms fair to be held in Adelaide, South Australia in November 2008 - has been drafted by the Stop the War Fair coalition. Groups and individuals supporting the statement are now adding their names, with a launch planned for late September.

• Please email mapw [at] mapw [dot] org [dot] au to confirm that you or your organisation will add its name.

Flyer for alternative Anzac Day gathering, Friday morning 25 April in East Melbourne. Brief presentations followed by light lunch.

MAPW's submission to the Australian Government’s 2020 summit, in April 2009, was prepared by MAPW President Dr Sue Wareham. It discusses three areas of concern: nuclear weapons; war as a response to terrorism; and our future security.

Necdet Ipekyuz of the Turkish Medical Association outlines the fundamental issue that regions "where armed conflict is ongoing receives assistance in the form of health, educational equipment, food and clothing from various NGOi's. There isn't enough effort being put into practice in bringing about a peaceful solution to the armed conflict". A paper presented at the IPPNWi World Congress, 1998.

Ullrich Gottstein's slide presentation demonstrates the vast impacts on the Iraqi people after 1990, including issues of food, education, casualties and more. He visited Iraq in 1998.

This MAPW poster was made using the Michael Leunig cartoon. We are grateful for the artist's generous permission.

Dr Rae-Wen Chang's 2007 paper discusses effects of recent conflicts on the health of the Iraqi population. A well referenced and comprehensive overview. Recommended reading.