War Resisters Support Campaign

Alyssa Manning, left, represents U.S. War resisters who have sought asylum in Canada.

Is conscientious objection to military service a fundamental right for all, or a select few?

Come find out with Rachel Brett, human rights representative at the Quaker UN Office in Geneva and Alyssa Manning, lawyer for many of the U.S. war resisters.

Sunday October 27th, 2013
1 pm – 2:30 pm
Friends House, Toronto,
60 Lowther Avenue
(2 blocks north of the Bedford Rd. exit of St. George Subway)
Free, wheelchair accessible, all welcome!

Many people believe that to be a Conscientious Objector (C.O.) you have to be against all war and violence – and, if so, why would you have ever joined the military? Many types of people seek C.O. status all over the world – the issue is as relevant today as during World War II. Some are people of faith, some of no faith, some object to serving in the military and need protection from conscription, and some (like the U.S. War Resisters who are in Canada) develop an objection to war (or a particular war) through the experience of serving in the military. Are all of these cases “legitimate”?

Rachel has worked on C.O. issues for decades within the United Nations system and internationally as the human rights representative at the Quaker UN Office Geneva. Alyssa has represented US War Resisters in a number of precedent-setting legal cases in Canada.

This is a rare opportunity to dialogue with two of the most talented and interesting advocates for conscientious objectors.

Presented by: Canadian Friends Service Committee (Quakers)
Toronto Monthly Meeting’s Peace and Social Concerns Committee
War Resisters Support Campaign