Conscientious Objectors

A conscientious objector is one who is opposed to serving in the armed forces and/or bearing arms on the grounds of moral or religious principles.

Read about Ward Miles, Harold Carson, and Howard Scott's CO experiences in WWII. by Jackie Renn in Real Change News.

International Conscientious Objectors' Day is closely linked to the International Conscientious Objectors' Meeting (ICOM). Between 1981 and 1997, ICOM was organized every year by groups affiliated to War Resisters' International.

Support for Israeli "Refuseniks" Israeli Consulate Photos,San Francisco 5/18/2003

New York Rally Jews Against the Occupation, Photos

• Background papers:
  • WRI report on conscientious objection to military service in Israel (February 2003)
  • Article by Peretz Kidron (Yesh Gvul) on the refusenik movement in Israel (June 2002)
  • Prisoners for Peace 2001: Focus on Israel and the Palestinian autonomous territories (November 2001)
  • Conscientious Objection in Israel
  • New Profile and War Resisters' International submit repeated imprisonment of conscientious objectors in Israel to United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
  • Women's Draft Resistance in Israel
• CO Testimonies
  • Uri Ya'acobi
  • Ariel Levin
  • Avia A'tai
  • Yair Halper
  • Igal Rosenberg
  • Sergio Yahni
  • Tal Matalon
• Organizations in Israel and the Palestinian Territories
  • Organisations in Israel
    • New Profile - Movement for the Civilization of Israeli society
    • Yesh Gvul - the oldest refusenik organization
    • Shministim - the high school students who refuse to enlist in the army
    • Courage to Refuse - the "Combatants' Letter"
  • Organisations in the Palestinian Territories
    • The Palestinian Centre for Rapprochement between People
    • Alternative Information Center

Conscientious Objection in War

Iraq Crisis Resources

• Information for members of the UK armed forces
• Information for members of the US armed forces

Refusing to Bear Arms online

The Refusing to Bear Arms report is now available online. Access to the full English edition is restricted to readers who apply for a password. Visit the registration page here or use your password to enter the site here.

The Conscientious Objector's Guide to the UN Human Rights System (WRI/CONCODOC, 2000)

• HTML version [143k plus 93k appendix]. This version is extensively cross-referenced, allowing for easy navigation between keywords. PDF version [873k]
• The Objector: Home of the Central Committee for Conscientious ...  Act of 2001 -- HR 3598. Read about Iraq War Conscientious Objector Stephen Funk. Urgent Help Needed! The tragic events of September ... Description: Supports conscientious objectors and promotes individual and collective resistance to war.
• Center On Conscience & War ... What do YOU believe about war? Read our Questions for the Conscientious Objector. It could change your life. Are you a Conscientious Objector? ...
  Description: Formed in 1940 by an association of religious bodies, CCW works to defend and extend the rights of conscientious objectors.
• Selective Service System: Fast Facts
• GI Rights Hotline (800) 394-9544
• Conscientious Objection Resources from MoveOn.org
• Making Choices About the Military AFSC
• Brethren Witness - Peace and Justice - Conscientious Objection
• Conscientious Objection - An Important Decision Jewish Peace Fellowship
• CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION in Britain during the First World War Peace Pledge Union, UK
• "By Reason of Religious Training and Belief..." A History of Conscientious Objection and Religion during the Vietnam War By Karl D. Nelson
• Reader's Companion on Conscientious Objection by Houghton Mifflin Company
• Facts on Military Service and Conscientious Objection for you to declare your objection to military service. Nevertheless, you may want to write on your card that you are registering as a conscientious objector.
• Conscientious Objection and the Law
• The Episcopal Church and Conscientious Objection to War
• Thinking about War and Peace
• AFSC's National Youth and Militarism Program
• Interview with Harry Wright-Johnson, a World War II CO
• Rosa Packard.org Peace Tax Witness and Conscientious Objection
• Conscientious Objection to Military Service in Australia

How to Object: Tips for young people
When a draft is reinstated, everyone who's fit will be summoned. As in the past, those who resist will endure close scrutiny.

That's why Vietnam CO Howard Welsh has put together tips for young men and women who suspect they'd be unwilling to fight. Sixteen- and 17-year-olds can prepare to assert their beliefs well before they have to register with the Selective Service, at age 18. Here are some things to do:

1. Write a letter expressing that you object to all wars based on deeply held philosophical or religious principles. This is your Affidavit of Fact.
2. Sign it, have it notarized, and get two other witnesses who are not related to you and are registered voters to sign it. Send copies to your friends, family, and professional acquaintances. Be sure to send a copy by certified mail to your U.S. Congressperson.
3. Get five letters of substantiation confirming your decision from your parents or relatives, your religious leader, or your doctor. Each letter should say that they know you as a conscientious objector. Each letter needs to be postmarked.
4. The Affidavit of Fact can be filed with any Federal District Court as a document in any Selective Service proceeding.
5. Once you turn 18 and have to register with the Selective Service, you should write on the card, "I am a Conscientious Objector." Before mailing the card, make a copy for your file; the Selective Service discards the card once they enter it into the system.
6. Keep your documents secure and ready. It is a good idea to resubmit these documents to federal legislators and the Selective Service every two years.
7. In the event of a draft, don't just wait and see what happens. The burden of proof is on you; maintain your file.

[Tips provided by Jackie Renn]

Dennis W. Mills, President

Veterans For Peace – Rachel Corrie Chapter #109  Olympia WA

Webpage www.criticalconcern.com/vfp.html  

360.867.1487   360.866.8065 fax  360.888.3704 cell dmills@capella.edu  mills.dennis@comcast.net