Resolution on War and Violence as a Last Resort

New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA)

Resolution on War and Violence as a Last Resort

Approved by the 2002 Voting Body

WHEREAS, the Code of Ethics for Nurses states that "nurses respect the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual," that "the nurse's primary commitment is to the patient whether as individual, family, group, or community," and that "the profession of nursing, as represented by professional associations and their members, is responsible for articulating nursing values ... and shaping social policy,"

WHEREAS, the toll that a protracted war takes on human life and the social and economic fabric of a society, particularly on a nation's most vulnerable population, is devastating and intolerable, even when referred to as "collateral damage,"

WHEREAS, no specific event has occurred in the recent period that indicates that Iraq poses any immediate threat to the United States,

WHEREAS, the American people have suffered deeply as a result of the September 11, 2001 tragedies and a preemptive military strike in Iraq would inflict comparable suffering, injury, and death upon countless innocent Iraqi people, and

WHEREAS, in accordance with the Code of Ethics, NYSNA has been in the forefront of speaking out about important health and social issues of our time, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that NYSNA support a multi-national diplomatic approach to ensuring Iraq's compliance with the current United Nations resolution regarding arms inspections, and be it further

RESOLVED, that NYSNA affirm that war and violence must always be the last resort to responding to conflict, and be it further

RESOLVED, that NYSNA educate its members about the effects of war on health and societies, and be it further

RESOLVED, that NYSNA communicate to appropriate policy makers its concern about a unilateral preemptive strike as a means of resolving Iraqi non-compliance with United Nations inspections.