Venezuela

On 19 August, the Latin American and Caribbean Antimilitarist Network (RAMALC) launched a new issue of its magazine, Breaking Ranks. Bringing together statements, articles and opinion pieces, this issue offers a current perspective on the situation in the region, looking at militarism and the far-right structures that sustain it

When bombs fall, people are forced to decide: do we repeat cycles of violence, or do we break free from them? In the face of the US invasion and the state of external emergency declared in Venezuela, we reaffirm this position: we will not choose between oppressors. Our compass is the protection of life, not loyalty to those who disregard it.

The Executive Committee of the War Resisters’ International endorses and shares the following statement by RAMALC regarding the situation in Venezuela: "The Latin American and Caribbean Anti-Militarist Network (RAMALC), in light of the current situation in Venezuela, condemns the bombing of Venezuelan territory by the United States, which has also affected the civilian population"

The Latin American and Caribbean Antimilitarist Network (RAMALC) has shared this call for International Conscientious Objection Day. It's an invitation to stand against militarisation and war, refusing to be part of systems built on violence and exploitation. Don't count on us advocates for conscientious objection, antimilitarism, and solidarity all around the world.

CONTENT WARNING: this article makes references to sexual violence, torture, and other details that some readers may find upsetting.
The Wagner Group is a Russian paramilitary organisation founded in 2014 by former GRU officer Dmitry Utkin and businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, and has been described as “one of Russia’s most influential foreign policy tools”. Since its founding, Wagner Group has become known for its readiness to use extreme levels of violence and brutality during its operations.

The latest development in Venezuela created additional tensions not only in the country itself but across the entire region. As part pacifists and antimilitarists, War Resisters’ International Executive Committee wants to repeat, once again, that war is not an answer to any situation, and call for resistance to all preparations for war.

Falken SA is a Spanish company specialising in "less lethal" weapons and other equipment used by the police and security forces in Spain, and countries in Latin America.

The Antimilitarist Network in Latin America and the Caribbean outline how militarisation impacts communities across the region

A number of peace and nonviolence organisations and activists from Venezuela have issued a statement about the situation in the country. The statement addressing the international community, peace and human rights activists, points out the need for free and credible elections for a peaceful solution to the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. Explaining the background, the activists say the solution for the crisis will  “depend on every single one of us and our actions to place enough pressure so that the solution we face is non-violent, and inclusive, with the democracy and justice which the Venezuelan people and humanity itself deserves. We want it to be our voices and aspirations, not arms, which finally decide the future and destiny of our country. But for that, we need your help.”

A number of peace and nonviolence organisations and activists from Venezuela have issued a statement about the situation in the country. The statement addressing the international community, peace and human rights activists, points out the need for free and credible elections for a peaceful solution to the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. Explaining the background, the activists say the solution for the crisis will  “depend on every single one of us and our actions to place enough pressure so that the solution we face is non-violent, and inclusive, with the democracy and justice which the Venezuelan people and humanity itself deserves. We want it to be our voices and aspirations, not arms, which finally decide the future and destiny of our country. But for that, we need your help.”

Venezuela's Law on Registration and Enlistment for Comprehensive Defence of the Nation was introduced in 2014. Read our new report on it here.

08/01/1998 1 Conscription

conscription exists

Conscription is enshrined in art. 53 of the Constitution which states that military service is compulsory and is to be performed, regardless of an individual's social status, as and when the law requires. [2]

Compulsory military service is regulated by the 1978 Law on Conscription and Military Enlistment (Ley de Conscripcion y Alistamiento Militar).