The Peace Hub, in Birmingham’s business district, is a centre for everyone who is in sympathy with the Quaker call to action for a just and peaceful world. Supported by the profits of The Priory Rooms it was launched in autumn 2014 with two successful campaigns already well received. In March The Peace Hub launched their latest campaign “Conscientious Objection; Then and Now”. The Hub welcomes you to pop in and show your solidarity for conscientious objectors imprisoned today!
Along with other pacifists, many Quakers refused to fight in WWI when conscription began in 1916. Some took ‘non-combative’ roles, such as the Friends Ambulance Unit. Others were absolutists and were sent to prison; some were even sentenced to death and only reprieved at the last-minute. The courage and strength of conviction of these men helped establish the right to conscientious objection in Britain. But today around 30 countries have some form of conscription to the armed forces, and in places including South Korea, Columbia and Turkey, conscientious objectors still face imprisonment and social stigma.
In South Korea all men must join the armed forces at 18 years old for between 21 and 24 months national service. The right to conscientious objection is not recognised, and those who refuse to fight face 18 months imprisonment. After being released, conscientious objectors are often labelled by Korean society as ‘not real men’. The Peace Hub invites you to pop into the centre, any weekday between 11.00am and 2.30pm, to discover the link between those who refused to kill 100 years ago and the people today standing up for what they believe in and working for peace. Why not send a solidarity message to Ha Hyeong Hwan and Kim Seong Min who were imprisoned for 18 months in May 2014 for refusal to undertake compulsory military service in South Korea. Your words will give them hope during tough times. The Peace Hub provides a ready-addressed postcard and suggested message, or you can write in your own words.
Pop in, have a cuppa and a chat about the issues, browse books on peace-work then and now, and send your message of solidarity to the two South Korean men currently in prison for conscientiously objecting.
The team look forward to seeing you soon!
The Peace Hub, 41 Bull Street, Birmingham City Centre, B4 6AF 0121 238 2869
Monday to Friday: 11:00-14:30 Saturday & Sunday: Closed