War Resisters' International (WRI)
Website: http://www.wri-irg.org/
Category: Peace
Year of Foundation: 1921 (PACO)
Location of Foundation: Bilthoven, Netherlands
Location of Headquarters: London, UK
Brief Description: The War Resisters' International describes itself as existing 'to promote nonviolent action against the causes of war, and to support and connect people around the world who refuse to take part in war or the preparation of war.' (Source: www.wri-irg.org; accessed 20 April 2010).
Founding Rationales:
'The State exists for man, not man for the State. The recognition of the sanctity of human personality must become the basic principle of human society. Furthermore, the State is not a sovereign self-contained entity, as every nation is part of a great family of mankind. We feel, therefore, that consistent pacifists have no right to take up a merely negative position but must devote themselves to abolishing classes, barriers between the people, and to creating a worldwide brotherhood founded on mutual service.'
Source: 'Declaration and Statement of Principles adopted at the First International Conference at Bilthoven, 1921, and amended at the Hoddeston Conference, 1925', Box 1, War Resisters' International Archives, International Institute of Social History, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Evolution of Membership (countries with sections):
Source: YIO