1 . Name, legal base.

1.1 The World Federation of Associations of Pediatric Surgeons (hereinafter called "The Federation "), founded 15 th October 1974 in Sao Paulo (Brazil), shall be representative of pediatric surgical associations and societies and of any other organizations whose aims are those as expressed in article 3, but not of individual persons.

1.2 The Federation is constituted under Article 60 ff of the Civil Law Code of Switzerland, which is its basic law.

2. Seat of the Federation

2.1 The legal headquarters are in Berne, Switzerland.

2.2 The Federation has a Permanent Bureau at the office of the current Secretary /Treasurer.

3. The objective of the Federation shall be the improvement and maintenance of the standards of pediatric surgery throughout the world for the common good by any non-profit making means and in particular, but without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing words, by all or any of the following means:

3.1 The promotion and integration of pediatric surgery throughout the world.

3.2 The maintenance of a centre for cooperation and interchange of information among pediatric surgical associations, societies and organizations approved by the Federation.

3.3 The encouragement of the development and maintenance of high standards of care, education, training and research in pediatric surgery and its allied sciences throughout the world.

3.4 The encouragement of clinical and scientific congresses of pediatric surgical associations, societies and organizations approved by the Federation.

4 Membership:

4.1 Admission.

The Council (hereinafter mentioned) shall have the power to accept or invite applications from such national or international pediatric surgical associations, societies and organizations as mentioned in paragraph 1.1 as may be thought appropriate for membership. A pediatric surgical national or international association may apply for corresponding membership in WOFAPS. Such cases will be considered only if currency restrictions absolutely prevent payment of dues. Such members must be approved by two thirds of the Council at the next Council meeting. Such corresponding members shall be without vote at the Council meeting. On the receipt of an application, a ballot of the Council shall be held and admission shall be secured only by a favourable vote of two thirds or more of the Council. The Executive Committee (hereinafter mentioned) shall determine whether a postal vote be taken or whether the application be considered

4.2 Cessation

The Council shall have power by a vote of two thirds or more of its members to withdraw the privileges of membership from an association, society or organization which in the opinion of the Council ceases to support the main objects of the Federation. The right to appeal against such a decisions of the Council must be exercised, in writing, within one year of the receipt of notification.