Avellino municipality invites 17-year-olds to declare conscientious objection

The municipality of Avellino has launched a pacifist initiative by officially inviting 17-year-old residents to declare their conscientious objection to war. The decision, proposed by Mayor Nello Pizza and processed by municipal official Gaetana Rescigno, aims to sensitize the younger generation to the values of peaceful coexistence and the rejection of violence.

Although mandatory military service in Italy has been suspended for several years, draft lists are still updated annually. Under the new resolution, municipal offices will officially inform male Italian citizens turning 17 about their right to conscientious objection, which allows for the non-violent defense of the country. The city will provide an application model on its institutional website for those wishing to declare their stance, including a section for parents or guardians to share these values.

The resolution cites a precarious international situation, expressing concern over the concentration of power among autocrats and plutocrats and the potential for apocalyptic scenarios if diplomatic channels fail to resolve global disputes.