#conscription

steelnomad@diasp.org

An interview with World Without War: 3 x 5 lessons from a 20 years old movement

image

World Without War is a member of #War Resisters' International based in #SouthKorea, and is one of the most successful #pacifist and #antimilitarist movements in #Asia, taking action on issues such as the #arms trade, ending mandatory male #conscription and #activist #empowerment.

This year, WWW is celebrating its 20th anniversary by celebrating its achievements, reflecting on its challenges, and envisioning the coming years/decades. To mark this occasion, we interviewed front-line #activist Jungmin Choi. She has responded to our questions in consultation with the WWW team. Here, they have dived deep into their past, present and future, making this a valuable read for the #pacifists and antimilitarists actively resisting war and reducing its causes within the country and globally.

This interview, among other things, considers issues that are crucial for the Asia #Peace Network and the wider War Resisters' International to consider, if we want to build stronger movements to resist the arms trade, take action on climate crisis and #militarism, and promote activist emotional wellbeing. As we all know, the devastating effects of these issues transcend national borders.

Happy 20th birthday to World Without War!

#antiwar #pacifist #pacifism #HumanRights

brainwavelost@nerdpol.ch

Surprising local court decision in #Ukraine questioning the legality of military #conscription

Late in August, a Ukrainian court set a dangerous precedent for the Ukrainian government in a ruling that challenged the very legality of conscription and martial law in the country. On August 23, the Zinkivskyi district court in the Poltava region issued a highly unusual verdict against a draft dodger, equating Ukraine’s conscription law to a form of #slavery.

From

tord_dellsen@diasp.eu

Last week, “D” (25 y/o) refused #conscription to the Israeli military a third time due to his conscientious objection to becoming a soldier and act as an occupier and oppressor to the Palestinian people. He received another #prison sentence, this time of 20 days, after already serving 14 days in prison and 5 days under arrest in a #military base.

On one of the times that “D” arrived to refuse #conscription he received a ridiculous treatment over his key chain that had the image of the Palestinian flag. While entering the military base, the guards at the gate were so startled to see his key chain it cause panic that resulted in detaining “D”, calling for back-up, bringing in a consultation of 8 #soldiers (one of whom was a commander), alerting the head of the unit that was in charge of “D” to “examine the problem”, and to triple the number of #guards watching over him in the car ride to the prison.

All of this has not deterred “D” one bit and will not make him flinch or change his position. #RSN and #Mesarvot salute him for ALL his actions.

--- Excerpt from https://mailchi.mp/refuser/refusers-solidarity-15090593

#ConscientiousObjection #ConscientiousObjector #Israel #Palestine #WRI

steelnomad@diasp.org

Please mark your calendars!

From #Peace Pledge Union in the UK:

Join us on 15 May: International Conscientious Objectors' Day

Every year on 15 May we remember #ConscientiousObjectors, past and present.

Around the world many people are imprisoned or forced to flee their home countries for refusing to join armed forces. On 15 May, we will stand in #solidarity with them, as well as celebrating the memory of those throughout #history who have resisted #conscription.

This year we will be showing our support especially to COs resisting the current #conflict in #Russia, #Ukraine and #Belarus.

In the UK, you can join the National Ceremony either in London or online: 1.00-2.00pm, Monday 15 May

Everyone is welcome to join the National Ceremony, which takes place every year in front of the #memorial stone for conscientious objectors in Tavistock Square, London.

For those who can't make it in person, you can watch the event online.

image

The Peace Pledge Union works with a coalition of peace and #HumanRights organisations on this joint ceremony.

With contributions from:

  • #Belarusian peace #activist Olga Karach from Our House, who will send a message on the situation faced by COs in Belarus today.
  • Semih Sapmaz from #War Resisters' International, speaking on the global #struggle of COs around the world.
  • Historian Ali Ronan, speaking on the often overlooked role of #women COs.
  • Hosted by actor and playwright Michael Mears.

Speeches will be followed by a reading of COs' names from around the world. Flowers will be laid on the memorial stone, followed by a minute's silence.

Attend in person - Tavistock Square, London - 1pm Monday 15 May 2023. Or watch online - visit www.CO-Day.org at the time to watch the live stream.

There will be other CO Day events around the UK and the world.

Events to mark CO Day this year will be happening around the UK, in Edinburgh, Brighton, Leicester, Leeds and elsewhere. Please visit our events page to find one near you.

If you have any stories or experiences of #ConscientiousObjection, or are planning anything for CO Day, please get in touch at mail@ppu.org.uk. You can find out more at www.CO-Day.org, including many educational resources on conscientious objection, campaigns, music and videos.

#pacifist #pacifism #antiwar

tord_dellsen@diasp.eu

Breaking news: The refusers forced the Israeli government to delay the judicial coup! | Refuser Solidarity Network

We are writing this quickly, as events are unfolding on the ground.

Weeks-long wave of refusal and civil resistance forced the Israeli government yesterday (Monday) to postpone the #anti-democratic judicial coup! Due to the refusers' pressure, on Saturday, the minister of defense, Yoav Galant, had a press conference and announced his opposition to the judicial #coup, citing voices of #dissent in the army as the major reason for his break with his own party and the government. As a result, the prime minister, Netanyahu, fired him on Sunday. The firing led to a huge backlash: mass #protests, a general #strike by universities and trade unions, the blocking of roads across the country and the shutdown of the airport. All this forced the government to postpone the judicial coup. And it all started with the refusers.

Earlier this week the Israeli press overflowed with daily refusal statements and civil resistance announcements. Each day hundreds of reserve soldiers protested against the government and declared their refusal to continue to serve in the Israeli army. Among them are soldiers of the Intelligence Corps soldiers, doctors, combat pilots and more. In a letter sent to the Israeli defense minister, soldiers of the Intelligence Corps wrote:

“Our conscience does not allow us to cooperate with the attempts to change the regime In Israel. An undemocratic Israel is a weak Israel which is dangerous to minorities within it, an Israel with a failing economic system. Our love for the country and the many years we spent serving it compel us to resist.”

The act of refusal also worked its way to different sectors of the #army and the Israeli society. 700 Soldiers in the standing army sent out official letters to the minister of defense and the Commander-in-Chief of the Israeli army stating that they will resign from service. Parents of soldiers to be facing mandatory #conscription have reconsidered sending their children to serve in the army and a group of 40 soldiers currently serving their mandatory conscription filmed a video vowing not to serve an undemocratic government.

On Friday, the Israeli army Commander-in-Chief warned that the Israeli army is disintegrating and that military operations are at risk due to massive amounts of refusals caused by the judicial coup. Israeli prime minister Netanyahu addressed the unprecedented crisis the army is facing and mentioned that refusing to serve in the military is a great danger to Israel.

The refusal wave puts the government in an unparalleled #crisis, and this crisis is a huge #opportunity. This represents a massive crack in the Israeli mainstream’s conviction that the army is used purely for defense. It is a moment of deep change in the worldviews of the Israeli citizenry, that could allow the anti-occupation movement to show Israelis that a democracy only for some people, is not a democracy at all.

Although this could be a time to celebrate decades of hard work leading to a moment of success, the fight is far from over. The reforms have only been postponed and not canceled. Netanyahu called for the army to punish the #refusers, and to get the majority needed to approve a delay in the legislation, Netanyahu promised an ultra-nationalist party to create a new “national guard” under the control of Itamar Ben Gvir, the leader of an extreme #right-wing party. All this means that leveraging the protests to fight the occupation is a challenge, and there is no democracy without an end to the #occupation.

Refuser Solidarity Network continues to support local Israeli refusers. We support efforts to use this moment to expand the anti-occupation movement and continue the fight to bring an end to the occupation.

Source: https://mailchi.mp/refuser/refusers-solidarity-15085353

#Israel #RefuserSolidarityNetwork

steelnomad@diasp.org

How much do you know about #Eritrea?

A few days ago, I could only tell you where to find it on the map. But I've started reading and learning that it is a brutal #totalitarian regime with no elections, no press freedom, indefinite compulsory #conscription, and tens of thousands imprisoned in hideously inhumane conditions.
The next few days I will be sharing links about Eritrea's terrifying and bloody past 30 years since independence. This is for #solidarity and also to inspire concern and support for #Eritrean refugees who may have escaped to your own home lands.

Read: Human Rights Watch: World Report 2022

#HumanRights #Africa #African

steelnomad@diasp.org

Statement of the Movement of Conscientious Objectors (Russia) for the International Conscientious Objection Day

Author(s) Movement of Conscientious Objectors (Russia)
Dear conscientious objectors to military service, today we mark our #CO day while #war is being waged.

As the war with #Ukraine began, the notion of refusing #military service in #Russia has become especially topical. Before the war, most #conscripts and their relatives did not associate military service as conscripts with actual #warfare. #Conscription appeared to be something akin to a sports camp with elements of military training.

Regardless of their political views, the healthy feeling of fear of participating in warfare in the territory of a foreign country forces people to file appeals for alternative civilian service and to protect their right not to serve in the #army by other means.

For some of the #objectors to military service, the chance to specify in their application that they object to Russia's war in Ukraine is important. This is a legal form of expressing one's disagreement directly to the representatives of state authorities—a matter of #moral significance.

In the course of the months of warfare, we have witnessed a totally new phenomenon: cases in which professional #soldiers refuse to participate in the special operation[*] and demand to terminate their contracts. We wish to express our special #gratitude to those soldiers and police officers who had the courage to #refuse to kill and die in a foreign land, who refused to participate in the special operation.

Today, when many people apprehend the introduction of partial of full [military] mobilisation in Russia, it is precisely the right to conscientious objection to military service that offers them support.

The Movement of Conscientious Objectors in Russia expresses its #solidarity with all those who oppose war, with everyone who stands against the act of #aggression. We wish and pray, with all our might, for Ukraine to survive the assault and retain its independence.

[* "The special operation" is Russia's ongoing attack on Ukraine; formally, it is not a war, but a "special operation", and is being referred to as such in official contexts in Russia]

Заявление Движения сознательных отказчиков к Международному дню отказчиков от военной службы — 15 мая 2022
Дорогие сознательные отказчики от военной службы! Сегодня мы встречаем наш день во время ведения военных действий.

С началом войны с Украиной идея отказа от военной службы в России стала особенно актуальной. До войны большинство призывников и их родных не связывали военную службу по призыву и военные действия. Призыв представлялся им чем-то вроде спортивного лагеря с элементами военной подготовки.

Независимо от политических взглядов, здоровое чувство страха перед участием в военных действиях на территории чужого государства заставляет людей подавать заявления на альтернативную гражданскую службу и защищать свое право не служить в армии другими способами.

Для части отказчиков от военной службы важным является возможность в своем заявлении указать, что они являются противниками войны Россия в Украине. Это легальная форма выражения своего несогласия непосредственно представителям власти, что имеет моральное значение.

За месяцы военных действий мы увидели совершенно новое явление: случаи, когда военнослужащие по контракту отказываются участвовать в спецоперации, требуют расторжения контракта. Мы выражаем особую благодарность тем военнослужащим и сотрудникам полиции, которые имели мужество отказаться убивать и умирать в чужой стране, отказались от участия в спецоперации.

Сегодня, когда многие люди опасаются возможного введения частичной или полной мобилизации в России, именно право на отказ от военной службы по убеждениям совести становится для них поддержкой.

Движение сознательных отказчиков от военной службы России выражает солидарность со всеми противниками войны, со всеми, кто противостоит агрессии. Мы из всех сил желаем и молимся, чтобы Украина выстояла и сохранила свою независимость.

Р24 февраля 2022 ДСО опубликовало Заявление в связи с началом спецоперации

#CODay #peace #antiwar #pacifist #pacifism #ConscientiousObjectors #ConscientiousObjection

steelnomad@diasp.org
Where does YOUR country stand?

World survey of conscription and conscientious objection to military service

War Resisters' International maintains the World survey of #conscription and conscientious objection to #military service - a database of country profiles and information on the situation for conscientious objectors (COs) and #conscripts around the world. This unique resource exists to assist #activists, #researchers, lawyers and other interested parties to find out more about both trends in conscription worldwide, and specific information on individual #states. It has been used to assist COs seeking #asylum, to give #solidarity activists #information in planning campaigns, to give campaigners against conscription examples from other states to put pressure on their own #governments, and in academic #research.

#peace #antiwar #pacifist #pacifism #ConscientiousObjectors #ConscientiousObjection

steelnomad@diasp.org
International Conscientious Objectors Day is May 15. This year, please read and reflect on the very real dangers of resisting conscription in places affected by the Ukraine conflict:

Conscientious objection and desertion in Belarus, Russian Federation, and Ukraine

In #Belarus, #Russia, and #Ukraine, there are different regulations for #conscription, the right to conscientious objection as well as #military service and #desertion.

In none of the three countries is the human right to conscientious objection implemented in the way required by various international bodies and the #European Court of #HumanRights.

#peace #antiwar #pacifist #pacifism #ConscientiousObjection

steelnomad@diasp.org

Putin and Zelenskyy, Talk to Each Other!

A short quote:

#Ukraine should not side with any bellicose great power whether it is the U.S., #NATO or Russia. In other words, our country should be #neutral. The #Ukrainian #government should #demilitarize, abolish #conscription, settle peacefully territorial disputes concerning #Crimea and #Donbass and contribute to the development of future #nonviolent global governance instead of trying to build a 20th century fashioned nation state armed to the teeth. It will be easier to #negotiate with #Russia and her client separatists when you share a vision that Ukraine, Donbass and Crimea in future will be one whole on the united planet without #armies and #borders. Even if elites lack intellectual #courage to look into the #future, pragmatic understanding of benefits of the common market should pave the way for #peace.

#antiwar

steelnomad@diasp.org

Reminder - did you write a letter to a prisoner for Prisoners for Peace Day?

Here in the USA it's still December 1. There is still time to write a letter to a prisoner who has been unjustly incarcerated for refusing #military #conscription and standing up for #peace.

Here is the link to the list of prisoners and their addresses:
https://wri-irg.org/en/story/2021/prison-now-prisoners-peace-list-november-2021

Thank you so much for participating. Forever #antiwar !

#pacifist #pacifism #HumanRights

cladust@pubpod.alqualonde.org

হাইওয়েতে যুদ্ধবিমান নামা শুরু হয়ে গিয়েছে। প্রস্তুতি শুরু? কন্সক্রিপশন দরকারী? #Conscription needed?

steelnomad@diasp.org

Please mark your calendars!

International Conscientious Objectors' Day - May 15th

#Remembering all those who have refused to bear #arms and participate in #war, throughout #history and today.

Every year on May 15th we #remember those who have established and are maintaining the right to refuse to kill, both in the past and today. Hundreds of people across the world are imprisoned or forced to flee their home countries for refusing to join the armed forces. On May 15th we stand in #solidarity with them, as well as celebrating the #memory of all those throughout history who have resisted #conscription.

Due to Coronavirus restrictions this year's National Ceremony will be online, with a live stream from Tavistock Square where the event usually takes place. Simply visit this page at 4.30pm on Saturday 15th May to watch the live stream.

The event will be streamed live via Youtube on this page. There is no need to register in advance, but if you want you can register here for email updates.

The time appears to be UK time zone, so you may need to check what time it will be in your local area :)

Peace

#peace #ConscientiousObjector #ConscientiousObjectors #ConscientiousObjection #propeace #pacifist #pacifism #antiwar #freedom #HumanRights