Declaration of Istanbul
Organ transplantation is one of the life-saving medical breakthroughs of the 20th century.
Over the years, growing renal transplant waiting lists and a discrepancy in organ supply and demand have marred this accomplishment and given rise to a network of illegal traffickers who exploit the vulnerability of patients desperately waiting for a life-saving transplant.
While illegal transplantation may seem like a “win-win” for the recipient in need of a kidney and a donor in need of money, the long-term effects are devastating to both parties and negatively impacts healthcare systems.
The Declaration of Istanbul (DoI) calls on the medical community, especially transplant surgeons and nephrologists, to join the World Health Organization (WHO) in putting pressure on Health Ministries with a transplantation program to eliminate organ trafficking and transplant tourism. The DoI is promoted, implemented, and upheld by the Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group (DICG). Read more about ISN’s work on the Declaration of Istanbul here.
News
Strengthening kidney transplant programs in Guatemala
In 2013, a sister center partnership was set up between University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Fundanier (sponsored by ISN and The Transplantation Society). The ultimate goal of this collaboration was to establish a deceased donor program in Guatemala. Thanks to training and engaged political efforts, the teams are setting up the basis for...
Update to the Declaration of Istanbul on Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism
The first new edition of the Declaration of Istanbul on Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism, a seminal document that has helped to guide ethical practice in organ donation and transplantation around the world, was presented at an international workshop in Madrid, Spain. More than 100 people gathered to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Declaration...
Apply or make a nomination for the DICG Council
We are now calling for expressions of interest or nominations for two positions on the Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group (DICG) Council. ISN ExCom and Council have decided that henceforward expressions of interest and nominations will be called for and decided on, using transparent and uniform processes, for leadership positions within ISN. Deadline is...
Contribute to Declaration of Istanbul on Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism update
Since 2010, ISN and the Transplantation Society led by the Declaration of Istanbul Custodian Group have encouraged the adoption of effective and ethical transplantation practices worldwide, including last year’s pontifical academy seminar calling for an end to organ trafficking. The declaration is now being updated to incorporate the latest criminal practices employed by organ traffickers....