Detention Of Tair Kaminer In Israel

EDM number 975 in 2015-16, proposed by Caroline Lucas on 19/01/2016.
Categorised under the topics of Armed forces, Human rights, Middle East and Prisons.

That this House notes with concern reports that on 10 January 2016, a 19-year-old Israeli conscientious objector, Tair Kaminer, was sentenced to 20 days of imprisonment for her refusal to enlist in the Israeli army; further notes that, with tensions high in Israel, this is a particularly difficult time to be a conscientious objector in a country where military service is compulsory for almost all of its young people; expresses concern that there is currently no exemption from military service for conscientious objectors who refuse to join the army because they do not support Israeli policies towards the Palestinians; notes that the right to object to military service on grounds of conscience is protected under international human rights law; further notes that although Israeli law allows for pacifists to be exempted, the review committee for this process frequently rejects most cases; applauds the courage, tenacity and principles of Tair Kaminer, and all other conscientious objectors, in taking a brave position in a country which has been at war since its creation in 1948 and in a society which continues to become increasingly militarised; calls for the immediate and unconditional release of these prisoners of conscience; and further calls on the Government to request the Israeli authorities to accept the conscientious objection of Israeli citizens who do not wish to bear arms against a civilian population under military occupation.

This motion has been signed by a total of 25 MPs.