Editorial
The 7th edition of the World Social Forum brings the world to Africa
as activists, social movements, networks, coalitions and other
progressive forces from Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Caribbean,
North America, Europe and all corners of the African continent converge
in Nairobi, Kenya for five days of cultural resistance and celebration;
panels, workshops, symposia, processions, film nights and much much
more; beginning on the 20th of January and wrapping up on the 25th of
January 2007.
While War Resisters' International is critical of some of the
tendencies within the World Social Forum (and the European Social
Forum), it is important for an international nonviolent and
antimilitarist network to engage with the Social Forum process. The
theme of the 7th WSF, "People's Struggles, People's Alternatives",
is especially relevant to the WRI network. WRI's Statement of
Principles says: "Addressing the causes of war requires a commitment
to social transformation. WRI seeks to join with others in building a
world based not on fear of military might, nor on domination and
hierarchy, but based on relationships of equality, where basic human
needs are fulfilled, where women and men have an equal voice, different
cultures and ethnic groups are accepted by one another, borders do not
divide, and the natural environment is respected. We work to build
societies where everyone can have a say in the decisions that affect
them and where collective responsibility and voluntary cooperation
replace imposition."
In this spirit, War Resisters' International will participate in the
World Social Forum in Nairobi.
Andreas Speck
WRI Office
Upcoming Events
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.
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Join War Resisters in Nairobi
War Resisters' International's activities for the World Social
Forum in Kenya
War Resisters' International has been engaged with different Social
Forums for several years. WRI was present at the European Social Forum
in London in 2004 and Athens in 2006, at the Mediterranean Social Forum
in 2005, and at the World Social Forum in Caracas in 2006 (although
then more at the Alternative Social Forum).
War Resisters' International's conference "Globalising Nonviolence",
which took place in Germany in July 2006, also discussed the need to
strengthen WRI's involvement and presence at different Social Forums.
The plans for the World Social Forum in Kenya in January 2007 are one
outcome of this conference.
WRI's focus: Nonviolence and antimilitarism at the World Social
Forum
In keeping with WRI's experience, War Resisters' International's
focus at the World Social Forum will be on nonviolence and
antimilitarism. At the present stage of planning, WRI aims to organise
four major events at the WSF in Kenya. Resource persons for these major
events will then also be able to conduct a series of workshops in
addition to their presentation at the major events. The following
events are being prepared:
The European Union and the Democratic Republic of Congo
Coordinator: Tobias Pflüger, MEP and WRI Council member
This seminar will look at the interests and the policy of the European
Union in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has been on the
receiving end of more EU military operations than any other country –
including the present EU mission in the country. Speakers will
hopefully include activists from within the DRC.
Eritrea: human rights and antimilitarism
Coordinator: Abraham Gebreyesus-Mehreteab, Eritrean
Antimilitarism Initiative
The seminar aims to highlight the situation regarding human rights
within Eritrea, especially also regarding the situation of youth (male
and female) who face conscription and a potentially unlimited military
service. Many desert and flee the country, facing persecution in
Eritrea or deportation from abroad. Persecution is extended to
relatives of draft evaders/deserters.
The seminar is also aimed at networking among Eritrean groups in exile,
and reaching out to groups in neighbouring country, to build a support
network for people from Eritrea.
African Perspectives on Nonviolence
Coordinators: Matt Meyer, War Resisters League USA, Andreas
Speck, War Resisters' International
Nonviolence has a long history in Africa. In view of the present image
of Africa as being a country of violence and hunger, it is important to
make the history of African nonviolence visible again. Nonviolence can
also provide inspiration to activists in countries which presently face
violent conflicts.
The seminar is aimed at raising the profile of nonviolence in Africa,
and to connect African and international nonviolent activists.
Against All Militarism
Coordinator: Andreas Speck, War Resisters' International
Conscientious Objection Campaigning Worker
This seminar is a response to the increased support for "leftist
militarism" and so-called "progressive governments" within the World
Social Forum process. This was visible at the World Social Forum in
Caracas, and is also reflected in the "Bamako Appeal"1.
The aim of the seminar is to present and antimilitarist critique, and
to highlight the importance of an antimilitarist perspective within
social movements in general, and the World Social Forum process in
particular.
Workshops and other activities
In addition to these major activities, War Resisters' International
will organise a range of workshops, on topics related to nonviolence
and antimilitarism.
Networking Against War Profiteers
A workshop for people who are campaigning (or interested in
campaigning) against war profiteers. The aim of the workshop is to
strengthen international networking.
Nonviolence Training
A brief practical introduction to nonviolence and nonviolent action
Conscientious objection
A workshop on conscientious objection to military service, its
relevance, and the situation in different countries. Also aimed at
networking. With conscientious objectors from different countries.
Globalising Nonviolence
A workshop aimed at networking among anti-globalisation and peace
activists
Take part in the World Social Forum
The main venue for the World
Social Forum 2007 will be the Moi International Sports Centre in
Kasarani - about 10 km. north east of the Central Business District of
Nairobi. Opening and closing ceremonies will be held at Uhuru Park in
downtown Nairobi.
The organising committee of the World Social Forum advises everyone
to register as soon as possible on their website.
Important information:
The deadline for activity registrations is now December 13th
2006.
If you want to get involved in WRI's activities around the World
Social Forum, then you should first register officially with the
Forum's website, and then on the website ask to join War
Resisters' International. We are looking forward to meeting you in
Nairobi soon.
