Declaration of Istanbul

What is this about?

The Declaration of Istanbul on Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism is a guiding instrument for professionals, policymakers, health authorities, and societies to maximize the benefits of organ transplantation and to develop programs to prevent unethical activities like organ trafficking.

Why is this important?

Although organ transplantation saves and improves many lives, exploitative and unethical practices are common, provoking harm especially to the poor and vulnerable. The declaration provides guidance and principles to ensure that organ transplantation is a safe practice, based on values like human solidarity, and to prevent harmful practices. Among many medical societies, the Declaration of Istanbul is endorsed by the European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association.