WRI Training on countering youth militarisation held in Cyprus

On 26-28 May, activists from Greece, Israel, Russia, Turkey, and Cyprus (both south and north) gathered in Nicosia (Cyprus) for a 3-day training, Gender and Countering Youth Militarisation, organised by War Resisters' International. During the training, participants explored gendered dimensions of youth militarisation within their societies as well as discussing how to work internationally to counter these processes. We're grateful to Turning the Tide (UK), Nonviolent Education and Research Association (Turkey) and Queer Cyprus Association (Cyprus) for supporting our event.

Following the training, Queer Cyprus Association and WRI hosted a public forum, The 'Other' Military Tales, where international participants could meet conscientious objectors and other peace activists from both north and south Cyprus. Participants, all from countries with conscription, shared their experiences of militarism as well as the effects of military service on their lives.

The gathering in Cyprus was the second of our Gender and Countering Youth Militarisation trainings, the first of which was held in London in February with activists from Europe.