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IFOR meets with Peace Comunity reps in Geneva / IFOR rencontre les représentants de la Communauté de Paix à Genève / IFOR recibe a los representantes de la Comunidad de la Paz en Ginebra

#nonviolence #HumanRights #PeaceCommunity

International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR had the privilege to welcome to its office in Geneva on Monday October 10th -at the Ecumenical Center- two representatives of the Comunidad de Paz San José de Apartadó.

The Peace Community is a great 25 yrs outstanding practice of nonviolent resistance in a highly violent context.

Accompanied by the former director of Red Internacional de Derechos Humanos, IFOR's guests presented the ongoing concerning situation that the Peace Community faces on a daily basis in #Colombia.

The meeting has been an opportunity for further planning on solidarity actions in continuity with IFOR supporting initiatives.

IFOR has also shared this visiting opportunity with other partner organizations in Geneva such as Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII.

IFOR's Main Representative, Zaira Zafarana, with the visiting guests of the CdP, Sayda Arteaga Guerra and Roviro Lopez Rivera and RIDHI Ramon Munoz in IFOR office.

Ecumenical Center in Geneva, headquarter of World Council of Churches, where the IFOR office is located in Geneva

IFOR's guests together with the Main representative of Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII at the UN.


#non-violence #droits de l'homme #communauté de paix
Le Mouvement International de la Réconciliation - MIR a eu le privilège d'accueillir dans ses bureaux à Genève le lundi 10 octobre - au Centre Oecuménique - deux représentants de la Comunidad de Paz San José de Apartadó.
Accompagnés de l'ancien directeur de Red Internacional de Derechos Humanos, les invités d'IFOR ont présenté la situation préoccupante à laquelle la Communauté de Paix doit faire face quotidiennement en Colombie.
La réunion a été l'occasion de planifier des actions de solidarité dans la continuité des initiatives soutenues par IFOR.
L'IFOR a également partagé cette opportunité de visite avec d'autres organisations partenaires à Genève, comme l'Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII.

Zaira Zafarana, représentante principale d'IFOR, avec les invités du CdP, Sayda Arteaga Guerra et Roviro Lopez Rivera et RIDHI Ramon Munoz dans les bureaux d'IFOR.

Centre oecuménique de Genève, siège du Conseil oecuménique des Eglises, où se trouve le bureau d'IFOR à Genève.

Les invités d'IFOR avec le représentant principal de l'Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII à l'ONU.


#noviolencia #DerechosHumanos #ComunidadDePaz
International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR tuvo el privilegio de recibir en su oficina de Ginebra el lunes 10 de octubre -en el Centro Ecuménico- a dos representantes de la Comunidad de Paz San José de Apartadó.
La Comunidad de Paz es una gran práctica de 25 años de resistencia no violenta en un contexto altamente violento.
Acompañados por el ex director de la Red Internacional de Derechos Humanos, los invitados de IFOR expusieron la preocupante situación que la Comunidad de Paz enfrenta cada día en #Colombia.
El encuentro ha sido una oportunidad para seguir planificando acciones de solidaridad en continuidad con las iniciativas de apoyo de IFOR.
IFOR también ha compartido esta oportunidad de visita con otras organizaciones asociadas en Ginebra como la Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII.

La Representante Principal de IFOR, Zaira Zafarana, con los invitados de la CdP, Sayda Arteaga Guerra y Roviro Lopez Rivera y RIDHI Ramon Munoz en la oficina de IFOR.

Centro Ecuménico de Ginebra, sede del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias, donde se encuentra la oficina de IFOR en Ginebra

Los invitados de IFOR junto con el representante principal de la Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII en la ONU.

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IFOR 50th Human Rights Council Side Event: Language Rights in the People's Republic of China

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IFOR 50th Human Rights Council Side Event: Language Rights in the People's Republic of China

Dear everyone,

We are pleased to invite you to a thematic virtual side event on Language Rights in the People's Republic of China, organized in collaboration with our local affiliate Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy

WEDNESDAY 29th AT 1:30 pm CEST on Zoom

Please, register here to get the link to connect on Wednesday.

Attached you can find the flier with more details on the speakers.

Looking forward to virtually meeting you,

Share on facebook!

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Estimados todos,
nos complace invitaros a un evento paralelo virtual temático sobre los Derechos Lingüísticos en la República Popular China, organizado en colaboración con nuestra filial local Centro Tibetano para los Derechos Humanos y la Democracia

MIÉRCOLES 29 A LAS 13:30 CEST en Zoom

Por favor, regístrese 
aquí para obtener el enlace para conectarse el miércoles.

Adjunto puedes encontrar el flyer con más detalles sobre los ponentes.

Esperamos encontrarnos virtualmente con ustedes,

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Chers tous,
Nous avons le plaisir de vous inviter à un événement parallèle virtuel sur les droits linguistiques en République Populaire de Chine, organisé en collaboration avec notre affilié local, le Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy.

MERCREDI 29 À 13h30 CEST sur Zoom

Veuillez vous inscrire 
ici pour obtenir le lien pour vous connecter mercredi.

Vous trouverez en annexe le dépliant avec plus de détails sur les intervenants.

Dans l'attente de vous rencontrer virtuellement,

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IFOR joins interfaith statement at the 1MSP in Vienna

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IFOR joins interfaith statement at the 1MSP in Vienna

On June 22nd, on the occasion of the 2nd day of the historical First Conference of the Member States Parties (1MSP) to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) which took place in Vienna, the World Council of Churches representative delivered an Interfaith statement signed by IFOR together with more than 140 other organizations.

Read here the complete text:


Joint Interfaith Statement Welcoming the First Meeting of the States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (22 June 2022) 

As faith communities from a diversity of traditions and located all over the world, we join together with one voice to mark this first Meeting of States Parties (MSP) to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). We welcome this historic occasion and celebrate this milestone that moves us closer to a world without nuclear weapons. 

We gather at a time when the threat of nuclear annihilation feels closer than before. So many more of us suffer from anxiety in response to the increasing threats by nuclear armed states. In the face of these urgent existential threats, we are more determined than ever to abolish nuclear weapons. 

We are acutely aware of the threats facing humanity and our beloved planet. From the devastating impacts of a global pandemic to the rising threat of climate catastrophe, the stakes for life on earth have never felt higher. Nuclear weapons represent a tangible manifestation of the worst of these threats with the risk they pose to human health and environmental stability. The resources currently spent on the development and maintenance of these weapons should be directed towards supporting the most vulnerable people and protecting the planet through investing in food, education, health care and climate justice. 

Our faith traditions call us to denounce this misuse of resources and to call for greater international cooperation to end nuclear weapons forever. Nuclear weapons are a tool of domination and violent coercion in a time when we urgently need to prioritize human security. Our religious and spiritual traditions uphold an ethos of mutual aid, care for the stranger and trust in the community. 

Our faith traditions continue to nurture the belief in a better future. We are reminded of our shared vulnerability and our shared capacity to make compassionate, intelligent policy choices. We remain committed not only to our own security but to the security and well-being of one another. We understand the interrelationship between justice and peace and we continue to commit ourselves to working for a world in which no community has the power to annihilate another, where the security of some does not depend on the insecurity of others. 

We urge the States Parties of the TPNW to heed the voices of the world’s hibakusha and contribute to strengthening the treaty through fully including the voices of affected communities so that as the international community we can begin the work of healing the harms caused by nuclear weapons. We also urge all States to work for the universalization of the TPNW, and invite all countries that have yet to ratify the treaty to do so in a timely manner. And finally, we urge all nuclear-weapon states to act in accordance with their commitment to nuclear disarmament and take concrete measures towards reducing nuclear threats.

In a world that often seems bleak, we celebrate this first MSP as a glimmer of light and hope. Just as we come together to unite our voices and prayers beyond our own faith traditions, we applaud your commitment to multilateralism and diplomacy in a time of divisiveness and tensions. We stand with you to rid the world of nuclear weapons, and create a world where we can advance together for common security and mutual flourishing. 


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Acharya K K Chandy Commemoration

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Acharya K K Chandy Commemoration

On April 20th IFOR's Indian branch has run a special program titled "Acharya K K Chandy Commemorative meeting" on ecumenism gathering the denominational heads of the Orthodox Church, Marthoma Church, Jacobite Church, Church of South India and the Catholic Church which represents more than sixty one hundred thousand members in Kerala alone.

The book "Psychological, Social and Spiritual Well being- Key to a violence free society- A possible impossibility", edited by Suseela Mathew -member of FOR India- has been also released and presented during the event.

This program was also about the need to use our resources for #Ahimsa, against violence of any kind.

Ukraine and the political decisions which lead to destruction and despair were discussed. Churches could ask its members to pray and give support for sustainable peace and guarantee of human rights to people everywhere.



Watch the special program here ( some parts are in English as well)



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ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR SERIES on Colombia

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ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR SERIES on Colombia

IFOR-International Fellowship of Reconciliation, together with FOR Peace Presence and FOR Austria, is pleased to invite you to:

ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR SERIES

A webinar series to celebrate 25 years of the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó and 20 years of FOR Peace Presence

Download the flyer here!!

Scroll down for Spanish and French.

The webinar series will include, primarily, first hand contributions from the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó and FORPP international accompaniers and address different topics related to human rights, human rights defenders and international solidarity.

This series of 3 webinars will also offer the possibility to get insights on the current situation of the peace process in Colombia after the signing of the Peace Agreement in 2016.

The aim of this webinar series is to raise awareness on current Colombian issues, give voice to the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó and provide an opportunity to share lessons learned on international accompaniment; thus, build stronger connection and solidarity and learn how to best collaborate globally and locally for human rights and peacebuilding.

  • Webinar #1: "20 Years of International Accompaniment in Colombia," on February 26th at 5pm CET

  • Webinar #2: "The Peace Community of San José de Apartadó: 25 Years of Resistance to Violence", in March 16th at 4pm CET, during the 49th session of the UN Human Rights session

  • Webinar #3: "Peace Efforts in Colombia: Current Challenges and Opportunities", in May 7th at 5pm CEST

The webinar series will be in English and Spanish, with French interpretation as well.

The detailed program with speakers for each of the 3 webinars will be soon published and shared.

More info at https://www.ifor.org/recent-news-from-the-movement-3

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation-IFOR, a centenary spiritual based peace movement, engages on the field of human rights at the international level within the UN system where it holds a consultative status and partners together with local organizations to support local efforts and report on human rights issues.

The Fellowship of Reconciliation Peace Presence-FORPP (IFOR’s affiliate) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to providing international accompaniment to communities and individuals at risk in Colombia who embrace active nonviolence working to promote human rights, peace and justice.

The Austrian Fellowship of Reconciliation-FOR Austria (Internationaler Versöhnungsbund), as part of the international peace movement, actively works non-violently for a just and sustainable peace. Since 2006 FOR Austria has accompanied communities and human rights defenders in Colombia in collaboration with FOR Peace Presence.

SAVE THE DATE AND JOIN IN!


IFOR-International Fellowship of Reconciliation, junto con FOR Peace Presence y FOR Austria, se alegra de invitarle a:

SERIE DE WEBINARS DE ANIVERSARIO


Una serie de webinars para celebrar los 25 años de la Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó y los 20 años de FOR Peace Presence

Baja el flyer aqui!

La serie de webinars incluirá, principalmente, contribuciones de primera mano de la Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó y de los acompañantes internacionales de FORPP y abordará diferentes temas relacionados con los derechos humanos, los defensores de los derechos humanos y la solidaridad internacional.

Esta serie de 3 webinars también ofrecerá la posibilidad de conocer la situación actual del proceso de paz en Colombia después de la firma del Acuerdo de Paz en 2016.

El objetivo de esta serie de webinars es sensibilizar sobre la actualidad colombiana, dar voz a la Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó y proporcionar una oportunidad para compartir las lecciones aprendidas sobre el acompañamiento internacional; así, construir una mayor conexión y solidaridad y aprender a colaborar mejor a nivel global y local para los derechos humanos y la construcción de la paz.

  • Webinar #1: "20 años de acompañamiento internacional en Colombia", el 26 de febrero a las 5pm CET

  • Webinar #2: "La Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó: 25 años de resistencia a la violencia", en 16 de marzo a las 4pm CET, durante la 49ª sesión de Derechos Humanos de la ONU

  • Webinar #3: "Esfuerzos de paz en Colombia: Retos y oportunidades actuales", el 7 de Abril a las 5pm CEST.

La serie de webinars será en inglés y español, con interpretación en francés también.

El programa detallado con los oradores de cada uno de los 3 webinars será publicado y compartido próximamente.

Más información en https://www.ifor.org/recent-news-from-the-movement-3 

 

El International Fellowship of Reconciliation-IFOR, un movimiento centenario de paz basado en la espiritualidad, se compromete en el campo de los derechos humanos a nivel internacional dentro del sistema de la ONU, donde tiene un estatus consultivo y se asocia con organizaciones locales para apoyar los esfuerzos locales e informar sobre cuestiones de derechos humanos.

El Fellowship of Reconciliation Peace Presence-FORPP (afiliado a IFOR) es una organización no gubernamental dedicada a proporcionar acompañamiento internacional a comunidades e individuos en situación de riesgo en Colombia que abrazan la no violencia activa y trabajan para promover los derechos humanos, la paz y la justicia.

El Movimiento Austriaco de Reconciliación - FOR Austria (Internationaler Versöhnungsbund), como parte del movimiento internacional por la paz, trabaja activamente de forma no violenta por una paz justa y sostenible. Desde 2006 FOR Austria ha acompañado a las comunidades y a los defensores de los derechos humanos en Colombia en colaboración con FOR Peace Presence.

¡GUARDA LA FECHA Y PARTICIPA!


IFOR - Mouvement International de la Réconciliation, en collaboration avec FOR Peace Presence et FOR Autriche, a le plaisir de vous inviter à :

SÉRIES DE WEBINAIRES ANNIVERSAIRE

Une série de webinaires pour célébrer les 25 ans de la Communauté de Paix de San José de Apartadó et les 20 ans de FOR Peace Presence

Téléchargez le dépliant ici!


La série de webinaires comprendra principalement des contributions de première main de la Communauté de Paix de San José de Apartadó et des accompagnateurs internationaux de FORPP et abordera différents sujets liés aux droits de l'homme, aux défenseurs des droits de l'homme et à la solidarité internationale.

Cette série de 3 webinaires offrira également la possibilité d'avoir un aperçu de la situation actuelle du processus de paix en Colombie après la signature de l'Accord de Paix en 2016.

L'objectif de cette série de webinaires est de sensibiliser aux questions colombiennes actuelles, de donner la parole à la communauté de paix de San José de Apartadó et de fournir une opportunité de partager les leçons apprises sur l'accompagnement international ; ainsi, construire une connexion et une solidarité plus fortes et apprendre comment collaborer au mieux au niveau global et local pour les droits de l'homme et la construction de la paix.

  • Webinar #1 : "20 ans d'accompagnement international en Colombie", le 26 février à 17h00 CET

  • Webinar #2 : "La Communauté de Paix de San José de Apartadó : 25 ans de résistance à la violence", en 16 mars à 16:00 CET, pendant la 49ème session de le Conseil des Droits de l'Homme des Nations Unies.

  • Webinar #3 : "Efforts de paix en Colombie : Défis actuels et opportunités", en 7 May à 17:00 CEST.

La série de webinaires se déroulera en anglais et en espagnol, avec une interprétation en français.

Le programme détaillé avec les intervenants pour chacun des 3 webinaires sera bientôt publié et partagé.

Plus d'informations sur https://www.ifor.org/recent-news-from-the-movement-3

 

Le Mouvement International de la Réconciliation (International Fellowship of Reconciliation-IFOR), un mouvement de paix centenaire fondé sur la spiritualité, s'engage dans le domaine des droits de l'homme au niveau international au sein du système des Nations Unies, où il détient un statut consultatif, et s'associe à des organisations locales pour soutenir les efforts locaux et produire des rapports sur les questions relatives aux droits de l'homme.

Le Fellowship of Reconciliation Peace Presence-FORPP (affilié à l'IFOR) est une organisation non gouvernementale qui se consacre à l'accompagnement international des communautés et des personnes à risque en Colombie qui pratiquent la non-violence active pour promouvoir les droits de l'homme, la paix et la justice.

Le Mouvement autrichien de la Réconciliation - FOR Autriche (Internationaler Versöhnungsbund), qui fait partie du mouvement international pour la paix, œuvre activement et de manière non violente pour une paix juste et durable. Depuis 2006, FOR Autriche accompagne les communautés et les défenseurs des droits de l'homme en Colombie en collaboration avec FOR Peace Presence.

RÉSERVEZ LA DATE ET PARTICIPEZ !

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IFOR JOINS INTERNATIONAL CALL TO ACTION FOR COP 26 ON MILITARY POLLUTION

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IFOR JOINS INTERNATIONAL CALL TO ACTION FOR COP 26 ON MILITARY POLLUTION

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation is committed to achieve a sustainable, just, and nonviolent world and highlights the connection between Climate Change and Peace Issues.

In line with this view, IFOR has joined other international and local organizations in the Call to Governments to commit to meaningful military emissions cuts at COP26.

This Call has been launched by the Conflict and Environment Observatory

Read more about the Call here

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IFOR has also joined the Call to Stop Excluding Military Pollution from Climate Agreements sponsored by World beyond War, together with GCOMS - Global Campaign on Military Spending, Peace Action Maine, Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action, RootsAction.org

Read more about this Call here.


The 2015 Paris Agreement left cutting military greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the discretion of individual nations. 

Militaries are huge energy users and contribute significant GHG emissions, as well as causing wider adverse environmental impacts from training, activities and operations. Militaries are typically the largest energy consumers among government agencies, but historically there has been a reluctance to disclose data on their emissions.

Global military expenditure rose by 2.6% in 2020 to almost US $2 trillion, in spite of a fall in global GDP of 4.4% due to the COVID-19 pandemic.1 The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change obliges signatories to publish annual GHG emissions, but military emissions reporting is voluntary and often not included. NATO has acknowledged the problem but not created any specific requirements to address it. In June 2021 NATO agreed to ‘assess the feasibility of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050,’ which would apply to its activities.


We encourage individuals and organizations to join these international efforts!


Logo CHANGE.png


The Climate Catastrophe is a reality for many people on this planet and will soon affect everyone. It's an emergency!

IFOR is concerned and aware of the connection of this issue with other important ones such as migration, war, land exploitation, nuclear disarmament, human rights and so on.

For these reasons the IFOR fellowship is engaging in an internal discussion to listen to global perspectives and hear many different voices around the globe, identify areas where action is needed and engage in initiatives tackling the Climate Catastrophe.

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CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION:  CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION AND ASYLUM webinar series by IFOR-QUNO-WRI

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CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION: CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION AND ASYLUM webinar series by IFOR-QUNO-WRI

IFOR is gladly inviting to the 5th webinar of the series "CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION" which is organized together with Quaker United Nations Office and War Resisters' International.

IFOR is pleased to invite you to the 5th webinar in the series

"CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION AND ASYLUM"


Organized together with Quaker United Nations Office and War Resisters' International.

This 5th webinar will have a particular focus on conscientious objection and asylum.

We will start from the basic question "Why do people object?" and listen to some first-hand answers, and then we will address the issue of asylum which concerns many objectors who have to flee their countries because of persecutions and violations, as a consequence of their choice to refuse to serve in the military.

  • International Fellowship of Reconciliation will share about some of its members testimonies on conscientious objection.

  • War Resisters' International will present its publication on Conscientious Objection in Turkey, including contributions from conscientious objectors from Turkey who sought asylum in Europe.

  • The Quaker United Nations Office will present their recent report "Conscientious Objection to Military Service and Refugee Status Determination.

This webinar will offer an opportunity to know more about the experience of objecting to military service and to explore ways to support objectors who are seeking asylum in different countries around the world. Participants will get insights on legal background, international standards and national context and will get information on further available resources.

Register here to get the link to connect and participate:
https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZEtcOyqrTwvHN0tYjpb9PMDJxgLT...

The event will be in English and last 1 hour and 30 minutes, including a Q & A section.

The webinar will be followed by a 30-minute community forum allowing a space for attendees to share any relevant updates about their work and countries and to inform on upcoming initiatives. 
Check the
 Facebook event here and spread the word.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

The webinar will be run in English.

You are welcome to register here to receive the link to join in online on the May 16th, and anticipate any possible questions you may have:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtcOyqrTwvHN0tYjpb9PMDJxgLTHz2LtX1fbclid=IwAR2X_uY6LyFwcyjGKgDbhsinpDzD6WY_4rvBt79FzNvYvjEoXbLaTmS8jgo

We invite you to share the invitation!
-
through your networks and social media-
and to participate!

You can download the original flier here

You can find here the Fb event ready to be shared.

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CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION TO MILITARY SERVICE #CODay2021

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CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION TO MILITARY SERVICE #CODay2021

#CODay2021

VOICES FROM THE FELLOWSHIP

Conscientious objection to military service is part of IFOR history, and it has been at the core of its original engagement since 1914. It's one of our roots. Many members were and are objectors. Several local efforts contributed to the recognition of the right in many countries. There is still work to do about it and IFOR is fully engaged in this field, and it is also running a thematic project supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust. 

On the occasion of the 
International Conscientious Objection Day - May 15th
we are sharing the voices of the members of IFOR around the world, on conscientious objection.

It is about a valuable heritage and a particular perspective on the present situation. As we talk about conscientious objection to military service we also refer to initiatives which deal with the refusal to support militarism. Unfortunately, we are currently witnessing an increase in the militarization of society and thus of the Culture of violence. We work for a positive change and the implementation of a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence.

We are pleased to share personal contributions from the fellowship, on conscientious objection!

You will read testimonies about past initiatives, current campaigns, individual struggles, personal understanding,  research of nonviolent alternatives, rejection of violence, compassion, faith, political engagement...

We stand in solidarity with all conscientious objectors in the world, who are currently facing threatens and discriminations for their refusal.
We dedicate these testimonies to them and to all those who struggled throughout the past decades.

Last year on CODay2020 we made a dedicated publication which you can find here.

  • If you would like to learn more about the current work of IFOR on conscientious objection and on the ongoing thematic project funded by JRCT, you are welcome to contact the project Coordinator here: zaira.zafarana@ifor.org


L'OBJECTION DE CONSCIENCE AU SERVICE MILITAIRE
#CODay2021

VOIX DU MOUVEMENT

L'objection de conscience au service militaire fait partie de l'histoire d'IFOR et elle est au cœur de son engagement originel depuis 1914. C'est l'une de nos racines. De nombreux membres ont été et sont des objecteurs. Plusieurs efforts locaux ont contribué à la reconnaissance de ce droit dans de nombreux pays. Il y a encore du travail à faire à ce sujet et l'IFOR est pleinement engagé dans ce domaine et il mène également un projet thématique soutenu par le Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

A l'occasion de la Journée Internationale de l'Objection de Conscience - 15 mai,
nous partageons les voix des membres d'IFOR à travers le monde, sur l'objection de conscience.

Il s'agit d'un héritage précieux et d'une perspective particulière sur la situation actuelle. Lorsque nous parlons d'objection de conscience au service militaire, nous faisons également référence aux initiatives qui traitent du refus de soutenir le militarisme. Malheureusement, nous assistons actuellement à une augmentation de la militarisation de la société et donc de la culture de la violence. Nous travaillons pour un changement positif et la mise en place d'une Culture de la Paix et de la Non-violence.

Nous avons le plaisir de partager des contributions personnelles de la Fellowship, sur l'objection de conscience! 

Vous lirez des témoignages sur les initiatives passées, les campagnes actuelles, les luttes individuelles, la compréhension personnelle, la recherche d'alternatives non-violentes, le rejet de la violence, la compassion, la foi, l'engagement politique...

Nous sommes solidaires de tous les objecteurs de conscience dans le monde, qui sont actuellement confrontés à des menaces et des discriminations pour leur refus.
Nous leur dédions ces témoignages et à tous ceux qui ont résisté au cours des dernières décennies.

 L'année dernière, à l'occasion du CODay2020, nous avons réalisé une publication dédiée que vous pouvez trouver ici.

  • Si vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur le travail actuel d'IFOR sur l'objection de conscience et sur le projet en cours financé par le JRCT, vous pouvez contacter le coordinateur du projet ici: zaira.zafarana@ifor.org


OBJECIÓN DE CONCIENCIA AL SERVICIO MILITAR

 #CODay2021

VOCES DEL MOVIMIENTO

 

La objeción de conciencia al servicio militar forma parte de la historia de IFOR y ha estado en el centro de su compromiso original desde 1914. Es una de nuestras raíces. Muchos miembros fueron y son objetores. Varios esfuerzos locales contribuyeron al reconocimiento del derecho en muchos países. Todavía queda trabajo por hacer al respecto y la IFOR está plenamente comprometida en este campo y también está llevando a cabo un proyecto temático apoyado por el Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

Con motivo del Día Internacional de la Objeción de Conciencia - 15 de mayo, compartimos las voces de los miembros de IFOR de todo el mundo, sobre la objeción de conciencia.

Se trata de un valioso patrimonio y de una perspectiva particular sobre la situación actual. Al hablar de la objeción de conciencia al servicio militar nos referimos también a las iniciativas que tratan del rechazo al apoyo al militarismo. De manera lamentable, actualmente asistimos a un aumento de la militarización de la sociedad y, por tanto, de la cultura de la violencia. Trabajamos por un cambio positivo y la implantación de una Cultura de Paz y No-Violencia.

Nos complace compartir ¡Contribuciones personales de la hermandad, sobre la objeción de conciencia! 

Leerás testimonios sobre iniciativas pasadas, campañas actuales, luchas individuales, comprensión personal, búsqueda de alternativas no violentas, rechazo a la violencia, compasión, fe, compromiso político...

Nos solidarizamos con todos los objetores de conciencia del mundo que actualmente se enfrentan a amenazas y discriminaciones por su objeción.
A ellos les dedicamos estos testimonios y a todos los que han resistido durante las últimas décadas.

 El año pasado, en el Día de la Objeción de Conciencia2020, hicimos una publicación dedicada que puedes encontrar aquí. 

  • Si desea saber más sobre el trabajo actual del IFOR en materia de objeción de conciencia y sobre el proyecto en curso financiado por la JRCT, puede ponerse en contacto con el coordinador del proyecto aquí: zaira.zafarana@ifor.org

J’étais, je suis, et je resterais Objecteur de Conscience !

Pierre Marchand - France

Read the English version here.

Ce jour-là, mon frère - qui était pourtant très « anticatholique » - m’a offert un livre d’un… prêtre : l’Abbé Jean TOULAT, journaliste et écrivain. Le titre était « Les grévistes de la guerre ». Je l’ai lu avec beaucoup d’attention, religieusement. Ce livre était consacré à l’objection de conscience et l’auteur en faisait ouvertement la promotion au nom de l’évangile. Aux trois quarts du livre, ma décision était prise… Cliquez ici pour en lire plus.


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My conscientious objection to army service in 1973 in Switzerland

Ueli Wildberger - Switzerland

Born just after WWII in July 1945, the atrocities of the Nazi-Regime in Germany and World War II were still omnipresent in my early years, growing up in a modest family of schoolteacher in a remote village only 10 km from the German border near Schaffhausen! 

Since then the horrors of war and holocaust were very vivid in my memory. At the same time I grew up sharing the overwhelming conviction of Swiss people, that our strong militia defense and army had saved our nation from being invaded and destroyed in WWII. So despite my repugnance to take arms and to serve in the army I absolved my recruitment service of 4 months and 5 subsequent yearly repetition courses of 2 weeks due to the strong pressure of my family and friends… Click here to read more.


Conscientious Objection Changed My Life

J. Kenneth Kreider – U.S.A.

Growing up in a Church of the Brethren family, it was natural for me to be in accord with the teachings of the “historic peace churches” (Society of Friends, Mennonites, and Church of the Brethren), regarding participation in military activity.  At the age of 18 I followed United States law by registering with Selective Service—as a conscientious objector. Click here to read more.


I still believe in conscientious objection and nonviolent action, heart and soul

Chris Harmer - U.S.A.

My name is Chris.  I was born in 1950. I grew up a white, middle-class male in a suburban, traditional family in the upper South of the United States.
I am aware that my life was and remains an easy life of privilege, for which I am incredibly grateful.  What was given from the circumstances of my birth is what all people deserve.  
My life’s direction was forever changed in the 1960s by the intersection of the Christian ecumenical movement in the US and by our country’s deepening involvement in the Vietnam War… Click here to read more.


J'ai refusé

 

Michel Monod – Suisse

J'ai accompli le service d'instruction militaire de 4 mois en 1960 puis j'ai refusé les ordres de marche suivants. Cela m'a valu un procès au tribunal militaire et une condamnation de 4 mois de prison à Saint Antoine à Genève. Puis j'ai refusé à nouveau 2 fois les ordres de marche et j'ai été condamné à 2 mois puis un mois et enfin exclu de l'armée… Cliquez ici pour en lire plus.


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MY SMALL CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION

Piercarlo Racca - Italy

In 1968, when I was 22 years old, I decided to object to military service. I had participated in the Milan-Vicenza anti-militarist march and was convinced of the need to oppose the military institution. It was also the year in which the communist armies of the Warsaw Pact occupied Prague, putting an end to the "socialism with a human face". Click here to read more.


Personal Experience with Conscientious Objection

Pete Hämmerle - Austria

When I decided to object to military service, this was in the context of the Cold War in the late 1970s, in a neutral country (Austria) with mandatory conscription for all young men. Alternative service (Zivildienst) had only become a possibility a few years before (1974), and the image of COs in society in general was that of “cowards”, no “real men”, trying to escape their “duty towards society and the state”… Click here to read more.


From Conscientious Objection to Resistance to Peace: USA to Mozambique and Beyond

Matt Meyer – U.S.A.

Growing up in the 1960’s, with images of the US war in Vietnam and Southeast Asia playing out on the television screen as full color background to my earliest memories, I often note that my parents were “natural born pacifists.” Neither of them belonged to any peace groups or attended demonstrations, but the idea that “war was wrong” permeated our household. In 1979, when US President Jimmy Carter suggested bringing back registration for the draft as a show of strength in the face of Soviet incursions to Afghanistan, my own high school senior mentality drove these anti-war instincts into high gear… Click here to read more.


A slice of sky behind bars

Claudio Pozzi - Italy

From April 21st 1972 to September 30th 1972 I was detained in the military prison of Gaeta for refusing to carry out military service as a Catholic. I was released from prison on October 1st and on December 15th it was approved the law which finally recognized the right to object in Italy, as well. I also wrote a book about this titled Uno spicchio di cielo dietro le sbarre, Diario dal carcere di un obiettore di coscienza al servizio militare negli anni ’70Click here to read more.


Dangerous fools: my story about being a conscientious objector

Larry Coleman - U.S.A.
On a spring day, I sat with my classmates at a table in the training room with the ROTC test on the table in front of me. The instructor for the final test admonished us to do well, so we could enlist as an Army Officer. The pitch to become an officer was made enticing, a slam dunk. The perks were emphasized, but there was little or no mention of the dangers. Certainly, there was no sober, deep thinking about the damage wars perpetrate… Click here to read more.


Do Not Fear, But Trust!

Gyula I. Simonyi - Hungary

We were seven conscientious objectors convicted in court, from the community I established in our city, Székesfehérvár. Click here to read more.


La branche belge de l’IFOR et l’objection de conscience 

Sam Biesemans - Belgique

En Belgique, la section belge de l’IFOR qui s’appelle aujourd’hui Agir pour la Paix (dans le passé « MIR-IRG ») a joué un rôle crucial pour influencer le débat politique qui mena à la loi de 1964 portant le statut d’objecteur de conscience au service militaire. Il a fallu 15 ans d’initiatives et de débats parlementaires pour y parvenir. Le sacrifice personnel et l’engagement constant de Jean Van Lierde, qui endura une longue peine de prison et fut ensuite contraint de travailler dans une mine de charbon, ont porté leurs fruits… Cliquez ici pour en lire plus.


Thomas Merton and the Army that Sheds No Blood

Jim Forest – U.S.A.

Here it is a presentation on Thomas Merton, a FOR member and writer whose books were very widely read and who was himself a conscientious objector. 
Me too! I left the US Navy as a conscientious objector, after two years in uniform… Click here to read more.


Military conscription also for girls in the Netherlands

Henk Blom - Netherlands

Since 2020, girls are also subject to compulsory military service in the Netherlands. All more than 100,000 girls born in 2003 have received a letter from the Ministry of Defense informing them that they are registered for military service. With a view to equal treatment of men and women, it was believed that women should also be registered for military service. Click here to read more.


We thank all those who contributed!
Nous remercions tous ceux qui ont contribué ! ¡Agradecemos a todos los que contribuyeron!

Page being updated: if you would like to share as well your personal experience on conscientious objection you are welcome to do so, writing to office@ifor.org, or leave a message below here.

Page en cours de mise à jour: si vous souhaitez partager également votre expérience personnelle sur l'objection de conscience, vous pouvez le faire en écrivant à office@ifor.org ou en laissant un message ci-dessous ici.

Página en actualización: si desea compartir también su experiencia personal sobre la objeción de conciencia, puede hacerlo, escribiendo a office@ifor.org, o deje un mensaje a continuación aquí.

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CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION: International Solidarity - the Case of Turkey webinar series by IFOR-QUNO-WRI

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CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION: International Solidarity - the Case of Turkey webinar series by IFOR-QUNO-WRI

Este evento también se impartirá en español y turco, entra aquí para inscribirte.

Haz clic aquí para descargar el folleto en español y leer más sobre este evento.


IFOR is gladly inviting to the 4th webinar of the series "CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION" which is organized together with Quaker United Nations Office and War Resisters' International .

This new webinar will take place on May 14th 2021 at 4:30pm CEST and will focus on

INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY
The Turkey Case

In Turkey the condition of conscientious objectors is defined as civil death because they are excluded by social, political and economic life.

We will hear from the Turkish organization for conscientious objection and from objectors who will share about their personal experience.

Guest Speakers Include:

  • Dr Mine Yıldırım, Head of the Freedom of Belief Initiative, Norwegian Helsinki Committee

  • Merve Arkun, Coordinator, Conscientious Objection Association, Turkey

  • Seyda Can Yılmaz, Conscientious objector

  • Onur Erden, Conscientious objector

  • Ercan Jan Aktaş, Conscientious objectorWar Resisters' International

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

The webinar will be run in English and in Spanish.

You are welcome to register here to receive the link to join in online on the May 14th, and anticipate any possible questions you may have: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcld-2vrjktH9OKOVFc7g8q3k2sRCmOKYaC

We invite you to share the invitation!
-
through your networks and social media-
and to participate!

You can download the original flier here

You can find here the Fb event ready to be shared.

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CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION: PUBLIC AWARENESS", webinar series by IFOR-QUNO-WRI

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CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION: PUBLIC AWARENESS", webinar series by IFOR-QUNO-WRI

Lea aquí sobre el seminario web sobre la Objeción de Conciencia al Servicio Militar que se llevará a cabo en inglés y español el 30 de marzo de 2021 y regístrese aquí.


IFOR is gladly inviting to the 3rd webinar of the series "CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION" which is organized together with Quaker United Nations Office and War Resisters' International .

 
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This new webinar will take place on March 30th 2021 at 5pm CEST and will focus on “PUBLIC AWARENESS” because conscientious objection to military service is a human right and wherever there is any form of military service conscription people must be able to refuse to participate on grounds of conscience; moreover, because conscientious objectors around the world are still persecuted and jailed.

We will listen from activists around the world and particularly from:

 
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The webinar will be run in English and in Spanish.

You are welcome to register here to receive the link to join in online on the March 30th, and anticipate any possible questions you may have:https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZIlduitqzIrHdcKWOroaMiHCanio...

We invite you to share the invitation!
-
through your networks and social media-
and to participate!

You can download the original flier here

You can find here the Fb event ready to be shared.

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