War Resisters' Stories: May

Balloons released at a International Conscientious Objectors Day protests
Issue number
56
International CO Day, and thank you Hannah!

Thank you, Hannah!

Hannah and another protester wearing t-shirts with the words "arms dealer" with an arrow. The arrow points to a line of people, mainly men in suits, leaving the ADEX arms fair.

We're sad to say that today is Hannah Brock's last day in the War Resisters' International office! Hannah has worked for WRI since 2012, coordinating our Right to Refuse to Kill Programme.

As part of our eCouncil, WRI's Right to Refuse to Kill programme held a conversation with conscientious objectors (COs) in Colombia to hear about their campaign and the situation for COs now. Hear a recording of that conversation in Spanish, or read the transcript in English!

On 15th May - International Conscientious Objection Day - War Resisters' International drew attention to the 250+ young people in jail in South Korea for refusing military service. Hundreds of people sent messages of protest to the Korean authorities and messages of support to conscientious objectors in South Korea!

At first sight, not much in Istanbul shows that the country is at war. The queues of tourists at passport control are long. Everything is running as normal. Main shopping roads like İstiklal are full of people. But those who travel by metro often have to change trains at Yenikapı station, where you now find an exhibition glorifying war and the military.