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Conscientious objector facts for kids

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Desmond Doss, a Seventh-day Adventist, was the first of three conscientious objectors who agreed to serve in the US military in non-combatant roles and were subsequently awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration

A conscientious objector (CO) is a person who decides not to be a combatant in military forces.

There are many reasons for this decision such as religious beliefs, ethical and moral beliefs to not kill human beings or pacifism.

Countries treat COs in various ways. They have also been treated differently throughout history. COs have been arrested or had to pay a fine. Some countries punished them by killing them. After World War II, many Western countries created alternative non-military services (civil service) as alternative form for pacifists. Often there were commissions to decide if someone really did not want to do armed service because of his beliefs or because of fear of war.

European Court of Human Rights has judged the denial of COs is violation of freedom of religion and thought in 2013, as well European Union recognized the right of conscientious objector as one of fundamental rights.

Images for kids

  • Objecteurs

    Stamp created by the Centre de défense des objecteurs de conscience (around 1936).

  • Conscientious Objector memorial, Tavistock Sq Gardens

    Conscientious Objector memorial in Tavistock Square Gardens, London—dedicated on 15 May 1994

  • Waikeria Prison for WW1 objectors, c.1923 (27160240521)

    Waikeria Prison for WW1 objectors, c.1923

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Objeción de conciencia para niños

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