We, the undersigned of this manifesto, oppose militarism, the war rhetoric of our politicians, the arms race, and the escalation policy of the Netherlands. We also oppose the propaganda with which the Ministry of Defence attempts to lure young people to sign up for the armed forces.

Expansion of the army and increased armament do not contribute to the security of citizens, but instead lead to further escalation. We believe the government has the obligation to do everything in its power to resolve conflicts without (armed) violence.

Instead, the government chooses for a policy of escalation. Young people are registered in the military service register without consent. They receive questionnaires in the mail from the Ministry of Defence luring them into a ‘job’ as soldier. The armed forces use misleading advertisement campaigns in schools, in sport clubs, on television, and on the street to promote the army as an adventurous profession with fascinating technology.

We strongly object to this. The armed forces are teaching citizens to set aside their natural aversion to killing people, while at the same time concealing the mental and physical traumas of war and violence.

We recognise that our government’s call for more money for arms and more soldiers always elicits the same response from the other. This is how demonisation, propaganda, and fear are cultivated and escalated on both sides.

We remain steadfast in our belief that violence never offers a just solution.

We recommend the reader to share this manifest as much as possible. A voice against militarisation and for de-escalation is needed now more than ever.

More than a century ago, in 1915, thousands of Dutch people signed the famous Dienstweigermanifesten (manifest for conscientious objectors). They stood against the spirit of war and militarism.

With strength we repeat after them: We hereby openly declare that we oppose with heart and soul all that militarism stands for.