The keynote speaker at ‘Drones and Forever War: Sharing information, building the campaign’ on 11 July was Chris Woods, author of Sudden Justice: America’s Secret Drone Wars.
The gathering, organised by the Drone Campaign Network, was a great opportunity for campaigners to update themselves on drone issues, to network and to plan campaigns.
Chris Woods charted the increase in the use of drones by the US, aided by US president Barack Obama’s enthusiasm for them. Drones are now heavily used in Iraq and Syria in areas of high population, causing many civilian casualties.
There was a panel session with Maya Evans of Voices for Creative Non-Violence, Chris Cole of Drones Wars UK, and Tim Harman of the Quaker Council for European Affairs. The three detailed the continued use of drones in Afghanistan, future drone developments and the European perspective.
The conference also saw the advance launch of the ‘Fly Kites Not Drones’ education pack, which will be available in September.
Chris Woods explained how journalistic scrutiny and public pressure have had an effect on drone use – so carry on campaigning!
Topics: Drones & autonomous weapons