Plaid Cymru assembly member Bethan Jenkins has tabled a statement of opinion at the National Assembly to honour the memory of conscientious objectors in Wales: “I call upon all Assembly members to sign this statement of opinion. We rightly remember our war dead annually and recognise the huge sacrifice that many people have made, and Wales also has a strong tradition of supporting the right not to kill and I look forward to events to mark this important element of our national life.”
The statement was tabled to mark International Conscientious Objectors’ Day on 15 May, and Bethan Jenkins took part in an event at the Temple of Peace and Health in Cardiff to mark the occasion. Stephen Thomas, Director of the Welsh Centre for International Affairs at the Temple said:
“This remains a contemporary issue in Wales, with individuals campaigning for the right not to pay for war through their taxes. And globally, people in many countries claim their right not to fight.”
Bethan Jenkins concluded: “The event was a moving tribute to those who have refused to kill. It was an extremely well-attended event with people young and old coming together to pay their respects. What I found particularly moving was the declaration read out on Israeli refuseniks – this reinforced the relevance of conscientious objection today.”