How physicians influenced Dutch nuclear weapon policies: A civil society case-study

This case study describes activities from the Dutch Association for Medical Polemology (IPPNW- affiliate NVMP-Physicians Peace) 1969 onwards, focused primarily on recent strategies, employed by civil society, to influence policies regarding urgency of abolishing nuclear weapons due their unacceptable medical and humanitarian consequences. By itself together with other society organisations, NVMP promoted an active disarmament policy, specifically Non-Proliferation Treaty its Article- VI Global Zero-obligations, United Nations’ Prohibition Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). Several achievements are highlighted, Appeal (2015) 50th anniversary Congress (Hague Peace Palace, November 26, 2019) aftermath. After presenting his major findings conclusions, author shares some experience- based, policy-oriented recommendations about specific physicians’ position medical-humanitarian message, followed suggestions strategies reaching out politicians, decision-makers, statesmen that can help IPPNW affiliates elsewhere, organizations, who promoting a weapon-free world. Finally, petitions repeat successful early 1980s Russian-American initiatives, which were directly aimed at political leaders. The article concludes presentation one initiative.