WRI INFO

WRI INFO

Information from the office of War Resisters' International

5 October 2006

Editorial

Welcome to another issue of our irregular wri-info e-newsletter. After the international conference 'Globalising Nonviolence' and a summer break, WRI is back to normal working schedule in the office, and we are busy preparing for Prisoners for Peace Day (see main article). Please get involved in WRI's activities, and contact us if you want to help, or need materials.

Andreas Speck
WRI Office

Upcoming Events

World Social Forum 2007 in Nairobi, 20-25 January 2007

The theme of the next World Social Forum is “People’s Struggles, People’s Alternatives”. War Resisters' International aims to be present at the World Social Forum with a range of activities, and a number of activists.
If you want to help, contact the WRI Office.

WRI Seminar and Council 2007 in Israel

The annual WRI seminar and Council meeting will take place in Israel in 2007, probably in August. The theme of the seminar will be on militarism and gender. Please contact the WRI Office if you are interested in participating, and want to be kept informed.

Donate to WRI!

War Resisters' International depends on your donations to be able to carry out its work. Donate to WRI online now at http://wri-irg.org/en
/donate-en.htm.

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1 December - Prisoners for Peace Day

Focus on Russia

Traditionally, War Resisters' International celebrates Prisoners for Peace Day on 1 December. The history of War Resisters' International's activities for Prisoners for Peace goes back to the 1920s, but 1 December was for the first time celebrated as 'Prisoners for Peace Day' in 1956.
The focus of Prisoners for Peace Day 2006 will be the situation in Russia:

• the situation of conscientious objectors after the introduction of a law on conscientious objection in 2004 (see WRI's report from 2003, and the QCEA report 'The Right to Conscientious Objection in Europe' from 2005);

• the measures against NGOs and independent groups in Russia, which makes it increasingly difficult for oppositional groups to work in the country.
  

• The war in Chechnya, which is still going on, and not much in the media any more. We will also aim to cover resistance to the war within Russia, and in Chechnya itself.
  

Your support is needed

War Resisters' International needs your support in compiling the annual 'Prisoners for Peace' list, which will include activists imprisoned for conscientious objection, but also for other nonviolent action against war and violence. Data for prisoners who will be in jail at any time during the year can be sent to the WRI office using this form. Or sent your information by fax (+44-20-72780444) or email to the WRI Office.
The deadline for information to be included in the list is 20 October 2006, and the material will be available from 24 October on in English, German, French, and Spanish (languages other than English might be available slightly later).

Action

• On 1 December, put aside at least one hour and write at least four cards to prisoners;

• Get your peace group or class or meeting place to organise a card-writing session;

• Set up a stall in your town centre, perform a bit of street theatre, or do whatever else it takes to attract attention and interest.

Sending cards and letters

• Always send your card in an envelope;

• Include a return name and address on the envelope;

• Be chatty and creative: send photos from your life, drawings;

• Tell prisoners what you are doing to stop war and war preparations;

• Don't write anything that might get the prisoner into trouble;

• Think about the sort of thing you'd like to receive if you were in prison;

• Don't begin, "You are so brave, I could never do what you have done";

• Don't expect the prisoner to reply;

• Remember -- next year it could be you ...