Workshops in English

• Legal – Illegal – Global: How Small Arms get to Areas of Crisis and War
  with Andrew Feinstein (Author of “The Shadow World: Inside the Global Arms Trade”) and Jürgen Grässlin (“Schwarzbuch Waffenhandel – Wie Deutschland am Krieg verdient”/The Black Book of the Arms Trade – How Germany Profits from War)
  Andrew Feinstein and Jürgen Grässlin are two of the most prominent and well-informed experts on the arms industry. Feinstein works internationally and Grässlin focuses on German arms exports. Both share an uncompromising view of reality. Up until now they have never met each other. In this workshop these two experts will explore the boundaries between what is legal, the “gray” area and illicit trade in small arms. They will discuss what strategies can be drawn from this analysis to contain the small arms epidemic.
  Jürgen Grässlin, ppt as pdf file (german)

• Militarism and the Epidemic of Gun Violence in the USA
  with Robert Gould (PSR Past President, USA)
  In this workshop we will discuss US foreign and military policy and the US' and NATO's responsibility for global arms sales. This includes underlying connections between Saudi-Arabian arms transfers and petrodollars that have obvious connections to violent conflicts, e.g. Syria. We will also explore the epidemic of gun violence in the United States, including connections to the global arms trade and the powerful role of organizations like the National Rifle Association.
  ppt as pdf file

• Small Arms & Light Weapons Proliferation in West Africa and the Search for Global Peace
  with N. Dickson Orji (West Africa Action Network on Small Arms - WAANSA, Nigerian Chapter)
  Often perceived as an “African problem”, the global dimension of arms proliferation and its social and economic challenges is neither generating enough debate nor receiving appropriate attention. This workshop will address the need for adequate response as well as the disposition of developing nations on the one hand, and the willingness of developed nations on the other, to overcome the lacuna between global peace and development initiatives. The workshop will be accompanied by an electronic photo exhibition.

• One Bullet Stories – The Social Impact of Firearm Injuries
  with Florian Hugenberg (IPPNW Germany) and Walter Odhiambo (IPPNW Kenya)
  This workshop will focus on the individual and social impact of firearm injuries. For this, data gathered at the University of Nairobi shall be presented and discussed. We also want to discuss methods and options to gather further “one bullet stories” and carry out more research on the individual and social impact of firearm injuries in developing countries. 

Workshops in German

• Proliferation of Small Arms and Ammunition in Central and East Africa and the Consequences for the Integrity of a Nation
  with Emanuel Matondo (Journalist and Editor at the “Afrika Süd” journal on the African south), Dib Cool Mukeng a Kalong Mango'o (President,“Africa-Peace University” UPAIX, Kinshasa/DRCongo) and Julien-Faustin Nepa Nepa (Vice-President, UPAIX)
  The reputation of small arms as weapons of mass destruction has reached new heights on the African continent. The use of small arms has proven to be particularly terrible in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In its eastern part alone 6,000,000 people were killed by small arms, not to speak of the countless numbers of psychologically and physically injured. The cost for victims, especially health treatment, are impossible to calculate. This workshop aims to develop strategies to curtail the proliferation of small arms. Together with interested partners abroad we wish to create a campaign that addresses the issue right where it originates: in producer countries, including Germany. We also want to create an impulse for the creation of an effective mechanism of control.
  
  
• The Export of Small Arms and Policies on Refugees in Europe and Germany
  with Gisela Penteker, Waltraut Wirtgen and Winfrid Eisenberg (AK Flüchtlinge/ Asyl, IPPNW)
  Small arms are sold all over the world. They fuel violence and war, especially in poorer countries. Millions of people become displaced and many of them are left stranded on the borders of rich countries. The EU and Frontex prevent refugees from getting the protection that is guaranteed to them by international conventions and many constitutions. When they reach Europe and Germany they often face a humiliating application process as an asylum seeker. After many years of hope, they frequently end up being expelled.

• Final push to campaign success – Aktion Aufschrei – Stoppt den Waffenhandel! gets involved in the German Federal Election Campaign
  with Christine Hoffmann and Monty Schädel (Aktion Aufschrei – Stoppt den Waffenhandel!)
  The campaign “Aktion Aufschrei – Stop the arms trade!” is currently the strongest civil society group campaigning against the arms trade in Germany. They already had several success stories. For example, political parties now have to reveal their position on arms exports in their electoral manifestos. In this workshop we aim to discuss, develop and organize further activities prior to the general election this September. We will present different ideas, e.g. talking to candidates in their constituencies and other campaigning activities, and we want to use this congress as an opportunity to network and coordinate our activities.

• Casus Belli – The Hunger for Energy and War
  with Henrik Paulitz (IPPNW Germany)
  Our hunger for energy is a central motive that fuels contemporary wars. The majority of victims are killed by small arms. Searching for solutions, we want to discuss an effective use of renewable energy. If we managed to reduce our dependence on crude oil and uranium, wars on energy would become redundant. “Local power for peace” means decentralized power supply from renewable energy sources – no ecological utopia, but a concept for peace.
  ppt as pdf file (german)

• Civilians' Gunshot Wounds in War – Examples amongst Kurdish refugees in Germany
  with Jan Kizilhan (Head of the working group on Migration and Rehabilitation, Institute for Psychology, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg)
  Thousands have been killed in the armed conflict between the Kurdistan Workers’ Party and the Turkish military, and even more have been displaced. I will present a study on the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among civilians who have been injured by firearms over a decade ago. Data collected from Kurdish civilians, now living in Germany, document that, in spite of living for years in exile, the traumatic experience of a gunshot wound continues to cause psychological symptoms.

Workshops in English

• The Aftermath of Small Weapons Trauma
  with Jenny Grounds (President of the Medical Association for Prevention of War - MAPW, Australia) and Peter Wigg (Psychiatrist and member of MAPW)
  This workshop will be based on the direct experience of psychiatrist Peter Wigg who has worked with patients attending an MSF surgical facility. Since Peter Wigg has particularly focussed on patients with severe traumata from guns and explosive devices, he is able to tell many tragic stories gleaned from patients coming to Jordan from all over the Middle East for plastic and reconstructive surgery, often requiring weeks or months away from home. These are “One Bullet Stories” where the bullets probably came from the guns of Australian, British, or American young people who have fought on the front line of the “War on Terror”.
  
  
• Mexico: War on Drugs, Illicit Weapon Transfers and Thousands of Victims
  with María-Eugenia Lüttmann Valencia (Director, Werkstatt für Gewaltfreie Aktion Baden und Mediator - BAFM)
  Mexico resembles a war zone: 70,000 people, mostly civilians, have died since 2006. They have become human targets in a fierce scramble for profits generated by drug sales and smuggling. The drugs originate in South America and Mexico, and the biggest recipient market remains the USA. Much of the supply of arms to drug cartels can be traced back to Heckler & Koch and the (mostly corrupt) police. What are the prospects under the newly-elected president of December 2012? What is the role of civil society organizations within the complex interplay of drug cartels, state and military? Are strategies for prospective peace on the horizon?
  
  
• Body Count – Casualty figures after 10 years ot the “War on Terror” – Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan
  with Jens Wagner (IPPNW Germany, IPPNW South-North Working Group) and Michael Schiffmann (Expert on Indochina)
  In Western democracies today, public acceptance of war and occupation is gained through the use of humanitarian pretexts for war, such as “reconstruction”, “stabilization”, “securing human rights”, or “democratization”. Continued occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq were explained after the fact by these alleged aims. The more humanitarian aims are invoked for a military intervention, the more we should try to monitor war’s humanitarian consequences. This particularly includes determining the number of war casualties as accurately as possible. In this workshop we will present the work done by IPPNW to estimate the number of war casualties for Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
  Dr. Jens Wagner, ppt as pdf file
  
  
• Victim Assistance Project in Lusaka, Zambia
  with Michael Schober, Stephanie Hametner and Annelies Hawliczek (IPPNW Austria) and Robert Mtonga (IPPNW Zambia)
  In 2012, IPPNW Zambia and IPPNW Austria launched a joint project that aims to improve the situation of violent crime victims in Zambia by linking the University of Lusaka Hospital emergency room with social service agencies in the area. We will discuss how we are working with local organisations from the social, judicial and medical sectors. A discussion on how to deal with violent crime victims, secondary prevention and possibilities to improve cooperation between different institutions will follow.
  Dr. Michael Schober, ppt as pdf file

Workshops in German

• Militarization in Germany
  Discussant: Claudia Haydt (Board member of IMI), Facilitators: Helene and Ansgar Klein (Würselen Initiative for Peace)
  Past German governments have systematically prepared the ground for militarism and, influenced by the gun lobby, allowed an increase in arms production. This workshop aims to increase public awareness of continuing militarization in Germany driven by politicians and lobbyists. We also want to raise awareness of the global dimension of German arms exports.
  
  
• Living in Gun City – Social Psychology of Arms Production
  with Angelika Claußen (IPPNW Germany), Ulrich Pfaff (Parish Church, Oberndorf) and Roland Saurer (pax christi-group Schrammberg)
  Heckler & Koch products, such as the G3 and G36 assault rifles, can be found in crisis regions all over the globe, making us partly responsible for many of the murders committed around the world. How does German society deal with this fact? From politicians, to arms producers, their employees, trade unions and the inhabitants of “gun cities” the social psychology of arms production analyses collective and individual mechanisms of defense and repression. An open, interactive discussion would help to give us the courage to address this taboo with industry, politicians and trade unions, bringing it into public debate.
  Dr. Angelika Claußen, ppt as pdf file (german)
  
  
• Arms Exports and the Law
  Facilitator: Reiner Braun (IALANA) Discussants: Peter Becker and Otto Jäckel (IALANA)
  Of the 1.73 trillion US dollars spent on all arms worldwide every year, NATO member states' spending account for 74 %. NATO remains to date the strongest military alliance in the world and is constantly operational. However, the German Federal Government legally obligated itself with the 2+4 agreement, in the context of German reunification in 1990, “that only peace will emanate from German soil.” (Art. 2). To what extent do arms exports within and outside NATO territory present legal issues? Are arms exports legitimate under constitutional and international law?
  
  
• Sounds of Life – Concert Blockade at Heckler & Koch
  with Winfrid Eisenberg (IPPNW) and Eckehard Hausen
  In this workshop we want to show how unconventional and creative forms of protest can clearly show both the community and the media that the production of hand-held weapons is irresponsible. We will present pictures and a short film of a protest campaign in font of H&K which took place on September 3, 2012. We also want to discuss possibilities for weapons conversion – the production of civilian goods rather than weapons.

Workshops in English

• ATT – Strengths, Weaknesses, Ratification Process
  with Maria Valenti (IPPNW Central Office) and Helmut Lohrer (IPPNW Germany)
  On April 2nd 2013, the UN General Assembly adopted a treaty that regulates the global trade in conventional arms (Arms Trade Treaty, ATT) from pistols to tanks. The treaty will come into force when it is ratified by at least 50 states. Described by some as historical success, as disappointing by others, evaluations of the treaty differ widely. This workshop offers the opportunity to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the treaty and to discuss our role in the context of the ratification process.
  
  
• Small Arms Violence in South Asia
  with S. S. Soodan (Vice President IDPD, India, Medical Director ASC College of Medical Sciences)
  The prevalence of corruption and the politico-criminal nexus have provided fertile ground to militancy and insurgency in many Asian countries. The trade in small arms is widely deemed to be a lucrative business, which means that measures to eradicate poverty, illiteracy and ill health are much-needed efforts to help to reduce incentives for participation in this business. Additionally, national efforts of law enforcement and infrastructure development need to be supported by a strict control of arms flow, beginning with the weapon-producing states. The ATT is a first, but not a sufficient step.
  
  
• Reaching across the airwaves to bring peace to the people
  with Kati Juva (PSR Finland), Ogebe Onazi (IPPNW Nigeria) and Robert Mtonga (IPPNW Zambia)
  The Finnish Physicians for Social Responsibility are seeking funding for a project to support the IPPNW Aiming for Prevention campaign in Nigeria and Zambia. This project will launch the production of radio programmes aiming to spread knowledge on small arms violence, on means of non-violent conflict resolution and to strengthen people to stand up against violence. These interactive programmes will be produced together with locals and local youth organizations, and will be distributed on popular radio channels in various regions in Nigeria and Zambia. There has already been a similar radio campaign in Nigeria (2009) that we would like to present in the workshop.
  
  
• MAD–Mapping Arms Data
  with Nicholas Marsh (Peace Research Institute Oslo - PRIO)
  A major challenge confronting global efforts to prevent and reduce armed violence is curbing the unregulated availability of small arms and light weapons. One way to limit dodgy dealings is to increase the transparency of arms and ammunition exports and imports. PRIO and the Igarapé Institute are committed to promoting public reporting and transparency with the MAD project. This interactive visualization project maps tens of thousands of authorized small arms and ammunition transfers over the past two decades and reveals patterns and trends in the global trade. MAD will be launched on the occasion of the Human Target congress in May 2013.
  Nicholas Marsh, ppt as pdf file
• Treatment of Firearm Injuries
  with Florian Hugenberg and Christoph Krämer (IPPNW Germany), and Walter Odhiambo (IPPNW Kenya)
  This workshop will focus on the actual treatment of firearm injuries. After a short introduction we want to collate our knowledge and experience on the treatment of firearm injuries in the form of a group discussion. This workshop is for everybody, experienced and inexperienced, who wants to discuss the medical treatment of gunshot injuries.

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Workshops in German

• Political and Ethical Dimensions of the Trade, Use and Operation of Small Arms
  with Horst Scheffler (former army Chaplin and Head of the Working Group Service for Peace - AGDF) and Paul Russmann (campaigner for peace work, “Ohne Rüstung Leben/Living without Arms” and spokesperson for “Aktion Aufschrei! – Stoppt den Waffenhandel!”)
  In this workshop we want to discuss and compare the political and ethical positions and motivations of civil society, churches etc. We hope to have a lively discussion with the participants that will help strengthen personal argumentation in the context of current discussions around the pros and cons of the small arms trade.
  
  
• Fatal Toys – Stories of the Lunacy of German Weapons for Sport
  In Germany, people are killed year in, year out by legally-owned firearms. In the German town of Winnenden, 15 people died in a mass shooting in 2009. This is only one particularly dramatic incident in a series of tragedies. The majority of gun club members may not have aggressive intentions. Nevertheless, a public debate about the acceptability of potentially-fatal firearms as sports equipment is much needed in society.
  
  
• Militarization of Science: Contra Research in Armaments – and Pro a Civil Clause
  with Reiner Braun (IALANA), Lucas Wirl (NatWiss) and Nina Knöchelmann (TU Braunschweig)
  The current form of arms production would not be possible without research and development or the participation of researchers and scientists. In this workshop we want to discuss some perspectives in the scientific field: The arms research dimension, militarization of research and schools of teaching, the role and responsibility of science, and the introduction of a civil clause as an instrument for civilian and peaceful research.
  Lucas Wirl, ppt as pdf file (german)
  
• Democracy Needs Much More Civil Disobedience Against the Arms Trade – Subito!
  with Peter Grottian (Committee on Fundamental Rights and Democracy, “Aktion Aufschrei–Stoppt den Waffenhandel!”, Advisory Board of attac)
  Actors in civil society have different conceptions of the the need for and the implementation of civil disobedience. In this workshop we strive to capture and discuss these differences, aiming for anxiety reduction. We also want to discuss possible acts of civil disobedience and their ability to mobilize. Hypothesis: Civil disobedience is one of the preconditions to make our aims known and assert them. “Maybe” won’t move anything.