Resource
A walk in their shoes
Design your own WWII conscientious objector walking tour
Background
Since the Peace Declaration to Charles II in 1660, Quakers have objected to war and armed service on the grounds of conscience. In 1916, we also fought for the right to conscientious objection to be recognised in law. Conscription ended in Britain in 1960, but it remains important to resist any calls for its reintroduction, as well as to show solidarity with conscientious objectors (COs) internationally.
Quakers work to promote the right to conscientious objection because we believe it is immoral to force someone to fight and kill when their conscience or religion tells them they must not. COs also break the cycle of violence, by disrupting war and showing it is not inevitable. If every person was a CO, no war would be possible.
What we're doing
Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the right to conscientious objection has been under attack in Europe. Ukraine and Russia have suspended the right to conscientious objection, and both objectors and deserters face persecution. There are few countries willing to offer Ukrainian COs sanctuary and only one (Argentina) allowing Russians to claim asylum. Most adult men are banned from leaving Ukraine or Russia, so reaching a prospective safe country is exceedingly difficult.
In this context, we are working with a group of Quaker individuals and organisations across Europe to:
- Offer moral support to individual objectors and deserters.
- Support those who are providing them with practical support.
- Lobby the EU, UN and individual countries to offer sanctuary to COs fleeing the conflict.
Take action
1 International Conscientious Objectors Day
Every year on 15 May, people around the world organise events and activities to commemorate conscientious objectors past and present. International Conscientious Objectors Day provides an opportunity not only to honour those who opposed and refused to fight in wars but also for us to reflect on the legacy of conscientious objection and stand in solidarity with conscientious objectors around the world today. Read about the day (offsite link).
Ideas for International Conscientious Objectors Day:
- Attend the International Conscientious Objectors Day ceremony in London, or a regional event. The International Conscientious Objectors Day group — which Quakers in Britain is a part of — organise an annual ceremony in London to remember all those who have struggled for the right to refuse to kill. There are usually parallel events organised in other UK cities.
- Organise your own activity locally. You may wish to organise your own event in a public place to commemorate conscientious objectors past and present. You can download toolkits that help you plan actions or vigils. The Peace Campaigning team is also happy to assist wherever possible. Please email us at peace@quaker.org.uk let us know if you are holding your own commemoration.
2 Subscribe to receive action alerts
Find out about cases of conscientious objection or anti-militarist action from War Resisters' International. On receiving an alert you can take action by completing an email form. This will ensure you can quickly and easily contact the authorities in support of a conscientious objector. Register for alerts (offsite link).
3 Write to prisoners for peace
You can support conscientious objectors who have been imprisoned for refusing to join the military by writing to them.
On 1 December, supporters of conscientious objection mark Prisoners for Peace Day. War Resisters' International publishes a list of prisoners who are either conscientious objectors or who have taken non-violent actions to disrupt preparations for war. Find out more and get involved (offsite link).
4 Promote peace education resources in your local school
Our peace education resources promote education rooted in positive peace and justice.
These include two resources titled 'Conscience' and 'Conviction' that explore conscientious objection and encourage young people to think about the steps needed to take to create a world without war. You can view and download Quaker peace education resources.
Work we've done
You can read an example of a nonviolent action to lobby the Russian and Ukrainian governments about conscientious objection. Find out more.
In 2024 we hosted a talk by an Israeli conscientious objector and peace activist. Find out more.
How you can support the work
- Get involved – you can use the ideas above to inspire you
- Support those in your local or area meeting who are involved in this work
