Nuclear
Weapons

MAPW works for the abolition of nuclear weapons.

Abolition: A Medical Imperative

The global campaign for a nuclear ban treaty – the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) –  was initiated in Australia by MAPW.

There could be no meaningful medical response to any use of nuclear weapons. The only ethical course of action is to work for prevention through the prohibition and elimination of nuclear weapons.

MAPW launched the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) in 2007. In 2017, the United Nations adopted the TPNW  and ICAN was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In January 2021, the TPNW entered into force, becoming international law.

Taking Action

By amplifying the medical imperative to abolish nuclear weapons, and unifying trusted medical voices, we can encourage action on the TPNW.

Most Australians want our country to ratify the treaty, and the Albanese Labor government has committed to signing – subject to some conditions.

But with the nuclear threat growing, there’s no time to waste: making swift and  meaningful progress towards eliminating nuclear weapons is crucial for Australia’s security, and for the security of people everywhere.

Divestment

Our Quit Nukes campaign works to reduce the flow of financial capital to companies connected with the production of nuclear weapons.
 
Divestment from nuclear weapons increases stigma, and is an important part of progress towards the abolition of nuclear weapons. 
 

Visit quitnukes.org

 

Policy Statements

MAPW works with health and medical organisations like colleges, associations, faculties, and unions to help them adopt positions and policies on nuclear weapons. By adopting clear policies, organisations help build momentum. 

Worldwide, medical, health, and humanitarian federations and institutions continue to accept the medical evidence for the elimination of nuclear weapons, and to endorse the TPNW. 

News: Nuclear Weapons

In 2018, Australian peak health and medical organisations – representing hundreds of thousands of members –  signed MAPW’s call for Australia to commit to signing the TPNW:

  • Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF)
  • Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA). Read the position statement. 
  • Rehabilitation Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand (RMSANZ)
  • Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)
  • Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM)
  • North Sydney Health Network
  • Psychologists for Peace
  • Doctors for the Environment Australia

The Australian Medical Association has also called on the Australian government to sign the TPNW. Read the AMA statement.

In 2020, the following organisations – together representing over 500 000 medical and other health professionals – endorsed MAPW’s call for recognition of the medical and public health imperative to abolish nuclear weapons:

  • Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF)
  • Australian College of Nursing
  • Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA)
  • Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)
  • Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM)
  • Psychologists for Peace
  • Doctors for the Environment Australia
  • Australian Ethical Health Alliance
  • Women’s Healthcare Australasia
  • Australian Indian Medical Association (WA)
  • Academy of Child and Adolescent Health

In 2022 the Victorian Psychologists Association (VPA) and the Medical Scientists Association of Victoria unanimously adopted resolutions calling for ratification of the TPNW.

World Medical Association

The WMA has recognised the duty of physicians to advocate for the elimination of nuclear weapons, and endorses the TPNW. Read the WMA statement on elimination.

International Council of Nurses

The ICN, representing nurse and midwife federations worldwide, has called for the elimination of nuclear weapons based on the evidence of their devastating effects on human and planetary health.  Read the ICN’s joint statement. 

World Federation of Public Health Associations

The WFPHA has been a powerful force for the TPNW, recognising that advocacy for the elimination of nuclear weapons is consistent with the Global Charter for the Public’s Health—protection, prevention and promotion. Read more on the WFPH and nuclear abolition.

Health + Medical Endorsement

Health and Medical organisations around the world continue to endorse the TPNW.

Evidence for Action

Banning and eliminating nuclear weapons is a global health priority.

Decades of evidence shows the catastrophic effect of nuclear weapons testing and use on people and the planet, as well as the inability of health systems to develop preparedness or capacity to provide assistance to the victims of a nuclear explosion. 

The evidence of harm caused by the use and testing of nuclear weapons takes on a renewed importance as the risk nuclear weapons being used is on the increase.

Power our work for Peace

The world is over-armed and peace is underfunded. 

MAPW is powered by members and donors with a vision for a peaceful, healthy world for all. We don’t take money from vested interests and are proudly non-partisan, guided by values rooted in medical ethics and humanitarian principles. Support our work for peace with a donation today.