Editorial
People's Struggles, People's Alternatives is the theme of the
World Social Forum in Nairobi, a theme, which certainly is of
relevance to antimilitarists and pacifists. And a theme, that is also
very relevant in the African context, where people struggle against
neo-colonial exploitation, and against war and violence.
Since the beginning of the World Social Forum process in 2001,
antimilitarists and pacifists have remained more on the sidelines of
this process, thus missing the opportunity to engage in a debate with
movements from all over the world. Certainly, there are differences
of opinion, of strategy, and most importantly often a differing view
on the use of violence. While we should stand firm in our commitment
to
pacifism and antimilitarism, we still have a lot to learn from other
movements – but also a lot to give.
Nonviolence has a huge repertoire of tools and experience in
practicing real grassroots democracy, empowering people, and building
alternatives.
This experience – often derived from anarchism and feminism – is
valuable for the World Social Forum process, which struggles with
issues such as participatory democracy, decision making and others.
Not that we have all the answers – far from it – but we can
contribute our valuable
experience.
We think it is now not the time to sit on the fence and criticise the
WSF and other movements from a purist perspective. It is time to
engage with other movements, to use the space provided by the World
Social Forum – not uncritically – in order to be part of the
development of new
alternatives and new strategies to change the world. Because change –
radical, revolutionary change – is needed, if we want to break out of
the cycle of violence, poverty, environmental destruction, and
potential nuclear overkill.
Andreas Speck & Javier Gárate
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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War Resisters at the 2007 WSF in Nairobi
Everything is ready for the 2007 World Social Forum in Nairobi that
starts the 20th of January. War Resisters' International will be
present there with a delegation and a number of events. With the aim
of promoting and making more visible antimilitarism and nonviolence
at this movement of movements event. And also to strengthen our
connections with groups in Africa.
WRI will have events every day of the WSF, and we will be sending
regular reports from Nairobi through this wri-info email-list. Also
check the
WRI website for regular
news from Nairobi.
To learn more about the 2007 WSF go to the WSF website:
http://wsf2007.org/
Following is the final timetable of WRI's events at the 2007 WSF
War Resisters' International's activities for the World Social
Forum in Kenya
21 January
African Perspectives on Nonviolence
Seminar, 11.30—14.00, room 9 IN – Upper
Speakers: Dennis Brutus, Ela Gandhi, Netsai Mushonga
The seminar is aimed at raising the profile of nonviolence in Africa,
and to connect African and international nonviolent activists.
Networking Against War Profiteers
Workshop, 17.30—20.00, room D1
Facilitator: Javier Garate
A workshop for people who are campaigning (or interested in
campaigning) against war profiteers. The aim of the workshop is to
strengthen international networking.
Globalising Nonviolence
Workshop, 8.30—11.00, room 18-1-1 (ground floor)
Facilitator: Stellan Vinthagen
A workshop aimed at networking among anti-globalisation and peace
activists
22 January
Against All Militarism
Seminar, 11.30—14.00, room Chris Hani – 1
Speakers: Clare Bayard, USA, Michal Stoler, Israel, Tobias Pflüger,
Germany, Rafael Uzcategui, Venezuela
The aim of the seminar is to present an antimilitarist critique, and
to highlight the importance of an antimilitarist perspective within
social movements in general, and the World Social Forum process in
particular.
Nonviolence Training
Workshop, 14.30—17.00, room G-21
Facilitators: Javier Garate, Andreas Speck
A brief practical introduction to nonviolence and nonviolent action
23 January
Eritrea: Human Rights and Antimilitarism
Seminar, 14.30—17.00, room 10 IN – Lower
Speakers: Nunu Kidane, Theodros Azbaha, Andreas Speck
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.
Conscientious Objection
Workshop, 8.30—11.00, room D-2
Speakers: Andreas Speck, Britain, Michal Stoler, Israel
A workshop on conscientious objection to military service, its
relevance, and the situation in different countries.
Venezuela from a Human Rights Perspective
Workshop, 17.30—20.00, room 18-1-10 (ground floor)
Facilitator: Rafael Uzcategui, Venezuela
Workshop on the situation in Venezuela
