conscientious objection and human rights in the first world war

While millions killed and died at the height of the First World War, sixteen thousand men in Britain stood up for the right to refuse to kill other human beings. They believed there were better ways to deal with disputes than the slaughter of war. Many suffered terrible human rights abuses for their beliefs.

Refusing to Kill follows the story of conscientious objectors through the First World War.  From the moment they received call-up papers to the day they were released from prisons, army units and work camps they faced personal dilemmas, violence, humiliation and hardship. But they were admired by many.

Original letters, court-martial statements, diaries, documents and poetry bring their dramatic story of resistance to life. Ideal material for History, Citizenship and English at Key Stages 3 and 4.

Each chapter in Refusing to Kill includes a focus on human rights. These sections make the link between past and present human rights issues, including the right to life, the right to refuse to kill, the right to a fair trial and the human rights of prisoners.

A free Activity CD (Key Stages 3 and 4) is available for teachers and students. In addition to Questions & Activities based on Refusing to Kill, the CD includes Teachers’ Notes, National Curriculum links, the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (full and simple version), a play script of a Tribunal hearing for use in English and Drama, plus copies of original documents from the First World War.

History:Explore the dramatic and determined resistance to the First World War in Britain: an ideal World Study after 1900.

Citizenship:Human rights and responsibilities, the importance of resolving conflict fairly, the criminal justice system, and the work of voluntary groups are all key features in Refusing to Kill.

English:Group discussion, drama, poetry, creative writing and communication on this fascinating and controversial topic make it ideal for a wide range of English studies.



SEE ALSO: VOICES FOR PEACE CD which has a major section on conscientious
objection including audio and video clips of COs telling their stories.

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Peace Pledge Union, Peaceworks, 1 Peace Passage, London N7 0BT tel 020 742 49444