IFOR joins international press release on the case of pacifist journalist Ruslan Kotsaba

JOINT PRESS RELEASE by EBCO, IFOR, WRI and Connection e.V.

Drop all charges against Ruslan Kotsaba

18 July 2022

In Ukraine, a trial against Ukrainian journalist, pacifist and conscientious objector Ruslan Kostaba will be held on Tuesday 19 July 2022, simply because he publicly expressed his pacifist views.

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR), War Resisters’ International (WRI), the European Bureau for Conscientious Objection (EBCO) and Connection e.V. (Germany) consider his case a clear politically motivated persecution, in violation of his rights to freedom of expression and freedom of thought, conscience and religion, guaranteed under Articles 18 and 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Articles 9 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The organisations express their solidarity with Ruslan Kotsaba and urge the Ukrainian authorities to safeguard that all pacifists in Ukraine, including the activists of the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement, are able to freely express their opinions and continue their nonviolent activities.

The organisations also recall their strong condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and call on the soldiers not to participate in hostilities and on all recruits to refuse military service.

The Ukrainian government should safeguard the right to conscientious objection to military service, fully complying with the European and international standards, amongst others the standards set by the European Court of Human Rights.

Ukraine is a member of the Council of Europe and needs to continue to respect the European Convention of Human Rights. As Ukraine becomes a candidate to join the European Union, it will need to respect the Human Rights as defined in the EU Treaty, and the jurisprudence of the EU Court of Justice, which include the right of conscientious objection.

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You can click here to download the statement as a PDF file.

Click here to watch Ruslan Kotsaba's statement recorded before the Court's hearing.

Contact persons:

• Zaira Zafarana, International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR), zaira.zafarana@ifor.org, www.ifor.org (English, Italian)

• Rudi Friedrich, Connection e.V., +49 69 8237 5534, office@Connection-eV.org, www.ConnectioneV.org (German, English)

• Semih Sapmaz, War Resisters’ International (WRI), semih@wri-irg.org, www.wri-irg.org (English, Turkish)

• Sam Biesemans, European Bureau for Conscientious Objection (EBCO), +32 477 268893, ebco.brussels@skynet.be, www.ebco-beoc.org (French, Dutch, Italian, English)

Visit and share on Facebook!

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UPDATE

Next hearing for Ruslan Kotsaba's case is scheduled for September 4th 2022.

Here you can find a video message he recorded before His last hearing.
You can find more information here.

CALL TO ACTION!

International solidarity is very important.

There are several things which can be done, for instance:
- organize a public presence in front of the Ukrainian embassy with signs and then share pictures and/or release about it
- engage with politicians in your country to support Ruslan Kotsaba
- engage with media in your country to cover Ruslan's case
- send the published appeal or your own note to Honourable Andriy Kostin, Prosecutor General of Ukraine,
Riznytska St, 13/15
Kyiv 01011
Ukraine
- share on social media and use hashtag #ConscientiousObjection #FreedomExpression; tag on Fb @peaceukraine (Ukrainian Pacifist Movement)

WEBINAR #3 "PEACE EFFORTS IN COLOMBIA: CURRENT CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES"

IFOR-International Fellowship of Reconciliation, together with FOR Peace Presence and FOR Austria, is pleased to invite you to the

WEBINAR #3 of the ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR SERIES

“20 YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL ACCOMPANIMENT IN COLOMBIA”

May 7th 2022 at 5pm CEST on Zoom

International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR, together with its branch IFOR Austria - VersöhnungsbundPeace Presence and its affiliate Peace Presence, is pleased to invite you to the webinar #3 "Peace efforts in Colombia: current challenges and opportunities" of the ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR SERIES.

The webinar is scheduled for May 7th 2022 at 5pm CEST.

This webinar #3 will focus on ongoing peace work highlighting challenges and opportunities and will present specific peace building experiences such as the peace community peace Comunidad De Paz San José De Apartadó and the humanitarian space Espacio Humanitario Puente Nayero and other local experiences with the participation of IFOR Swedish branch Kristna Fredsrörelsen, Swefor.

Our main speakers will be:

- Jose Roviro Lopez, Peace Community of San Jose de Apartado

- Nhora Isabel Castillo, Humanitarian Space Puente Nayero, Buenaventura

- Henry Alberto David, Life and Work Community La Balsita, Dabeiba

- Miriam Heins, SweFOR Choco Office Coordinator

- Irmgard Ehrenberger, FOR Austria

Moderators: Zaira Zafarana (IFOR), Manuel Müller (FOR PP), Michaela Soellinger (FOR Austria)

The webinar will provide more information on how to support such peace efforts and partner with local actors

Participating individuals and organizations will have the possibility to raise questions and engage in a direct exchange to explore opportunities to get involved and contribute to peace efforts in Colombia.

Register at bit.ly/20FORPP and participate!

The webinar will be in English and Spanish.

Share on Facebook here

Click here to read about webinar #1

Click here to read about webinar #2

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IFOR-International Fellowship of Reconciliation, 

junto con FOR Peace Presence y FOR Austria, se alegra de invitarle al 

WEBINAR #3 de la SERIE DE WEBINARIOS DEL ANIVERSARIO

Descarga el flyer aquí

"20 AÑOS DE ACOMPAÑAMIENTO INTERNACIONAL EN COLOMBIA"

7 de mayo de 2022 a las 5pm CEST en Zoom

International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR, junto con su rama IFOR Austria - VersöhnungsbundPeace Presence y su afiliado FOR Peace Presence, se complace en invitarle al webinar #3 "Esfuerzos de paz en Colombia: retos y oportunidades actuales" de la SERIE DE WEBINARIOS ANIVERSARIOS.
El webinar está programado para el 7 de mayo de 2022 a las 5pm CEST.
Este webinar #3 se centrará en el trabajo de paz actual destacando los retos y oportunidades y presentará experiencias específicas de construcción de paz como la comunidad de paz Comunidad De Paz San José De Apartadó y el espacio humanitario Espacio Humanitario Puente Nayero y otras experiencias locales con la participación de la rama sueca de IFOR Kristna Fredsrörelsen, Swefor.

Nuestros principales ponentes serán:
- José Roviro López, Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó
- Nhora Isabel Castillo, Espacio Humanitario Puente Nayero, Buenaventura
- Henry Alberto David, Comunidad de Vida y Trabajo La Balsita, Dabeiba
- Miriam Heins, Coordinadora de la Oficina de SweFOR, Chocó
- Irmgard Ehrenberger, FOR Austria

Moderadores: Zaira Zafarana (IFOR), Manuel Müller (FOR PP), Michaela Soellinger (FOR Austria)

El seminario web proporcionará más información sobre cómo apoyar estos esfuerzos de paz y asociarse con los actores locales.
Las personas y organizaciones participantes tendrán la posibilidad de plantear preguntas y participar en un intercambio directo para explorar las oportunidades de involucrarse y contribuir a los esfuerzos de paz en Colombia.
Inscríbete en bit.ly/20FORPP ¡y participa!
El webinario será en inglés y español.

Comparte en Facebook aquí

Haga clic aquí para leer sobre el seminario web nº 1
Haga clic aquí para leer sobre el seminario web nº 2

Acharya K K Chandy Commemoration

On April 20th IFOR's Indian branch has run a special program titled "Acharya K K Chandy Commemorative meeting" on ecumenism gathering the denominational heads of the Orthodox Church, Marthoma Church, Jacobite Church, Church of South India and the Catholic Church which represents more than sixty one hundred thousand members in Kerala alone.

The book "Psychological, Social and Spiritual Well being- Key to a violence free society- A possible impossibility", edited by Suseela Mathew -member of FOR India- has been also released and presented during the event.

This program was also about the need to use our resources for #Ahimsa, against violence of any kind.

Ukraine and the political decisions which lead to destruction and despair were discussed. Churches could ask its members to pray and give support for sustainable peace and guarantee of human rights to people everywhere.

Watch the special program here ( some parts are in English as well)

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IFOR joins international appeal to decrease military tensions on the Korean Peninsula

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation joined 355 U.S.A., South Korean, and international organizations in a statement calling for the Biden and Moon administrations to suspend the combined US-ROK military exercises.

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More Than 350 US, South Korean, and International Civil Society Groups Call for Suspending US-ROK Military Exercises and Decreasing Military Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

We, civil society groups in the United States, South Korea, and around the world, urge the governments of the ROK (Republic of Korea, aka South Korea) and the United States to suspend the combined military exercises and to instead actively pursue a path to peace. We are deeply concerned about the recent increase in military tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The ROK, the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, aka North Korea) and the United States should take steps toward sincere dialogue and cooperation, not military actions.

Without a peaceful resolution to the Korean War, we have witnessed increasing militarization on the Korean Peninsula for seven decades. The US-ROK combined military exercises, which prepare for an all-out war with North Korea, have developed into large-scale exercises that mobilize considerable weapons, equipment and US troops on the Korean Peninsula. In recent years, these war drills have been based on operation plans that reportedly include preemptive strikes and “decapitation measures” against the North Korean leadership. They also have involved the use of B-2 and B-52H bombers, which are designed to drop nuclear bombs, and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines. While the United States and South Korea have called them defensive in nature, these military exercises have long been a trigger point for heightened military and political tensions on the Korean Peninsula due to their scale and provocative nature.

Efforts toward reconciliation and cooperation at the governmental and civilian levels between the two Koreas and the US and North Korea have failed to build trust due to the vicious cycle of military provocations. While the leaders agreed on the peaceful future of the Korean Peninsula at the inter-Korean summits and the first US-DPRK summit in 2018, the US and the ROK then resumed the suspended US-ROK combined military exercises after no deal was reached at the US-DPRK summit in Hanoi in early 2019, and the US imposed additional sanctions against North Korea. North Korea, condemning the US hostile policy and military threat, resumed missile tests and recently ended its self-imposed moratorium on nuclear and ICBM tests. Without further efforts to implement the agreements between the leaders, including establishing new relations, resumed military actions could have disastrous consequences.

We want peace talks, not war drills and military confrontation. In particular, we urge the Biden administration to resolve the root cause of the conflict between the United States and North Korea — the unresolved Korean War. Continuing to rely on isolation, pressure, and threats to force North Korea’s unilateral denuclearization is a recipe for failure. Now more than ever, the US has a responsibility to pursue peace and show that responsible nations resolve differences through diplomacy, not by increasing tensions and relying on military escalation. We urge the Moon administration to uphold the commitments made in the Panmunjom Agreement, in which the leaders of the two Koreas agreed to defuse military tensions and eliminate the risk of war on the Korean Peninsula, and suspend the upcoming US-ROK joint war drills.

Suspending these costly and highly provocative military exercises will be a crucial step toward restarting genuine diplomacy with North Korea. It will allow all parties to address other intractable global issues facing our nations today, such as the climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, nuclear weapons, and war. Now is the time to change direction from military confrontation and pressure toward cooperation, reconciliation, and peace.

Read here the complete text with all signatures which has been released on April 5th 2022.

WEBINAR #2 “THE PEACE COMMUNITY OF SAN JOSE DE APARTADO: 25 YEARS OF RESISTANCE TO VIOLENCE”

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation is pleased to invite you to

WEBINAR #2 of the ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR SERIES

Click here to download flyer

“THE PEACE COMMUNITY OF SAN JOSE DE APARTADO: 25 YEARS OF RESISTANCE TO VIOLENCE”

March 16th 2022 at 4pm CET (UTC+1) on Zoom

*This webinar is organized on the occasion of the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

This webinar #2 will focus on the nonviolent experience of the Colombian Peace Community.

The webinar will address the local context, the principles and organization of the peace community and the constant threats of their living because of their choosing to refuse violence and will explore more on human rights issues in the Colombia context.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about nonviolent resistance and will have the opportunity to hear first hand testimonies from the community's members and additionally a contribution from the perspective of international institutions such as the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Bogotà.

Our main speakers will be:

• Gildardo Tuberquia and others, Peace Community of San José de Apartadó

• Andrea Garzón, Colombian Commission of Jurists

• Carlos De La Torre, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Colombia
  

Throughout the online meeting, participants will have the possibility to ask questions to the speakers.

Register at bit.ly/FORPP20y and participate!
After you registered, you will receive by email the link to connect on Zoom on the 16th.

The webinar will be in English and Spanish.

More info on the ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR SERIES, organized by International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR together with FOR Peace Presence and FOR Austria - Versöhnungsbund, are available at https://www.ifor.org/.../anniversary-webinar-series-on....

Read more about webinar #1
You are welcome to share on social media here!!

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El Movimiento Internacional de Reconciliación se complace en invitarle al

WEBINAR #2 de la SERIE DE WEBINARIOS DEL ANIVERSARIO

Descarga el flyer aquí

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"LA COMUNIDAD DE PAZ DE SAN JOSÉ DE APARTADO: 25 AÑOS DE

RESISTENCIA A LA VIOLENCIA"

16 de marzo de 2022 a las 16 horas CET (UTC+1) en Zoom
*Este webinar se organiza con motivo de la 49ª sesión del Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la ONU.

Este webinar #2 se centrará en la experiencia noviolenta de la Comunidad de Paz de Colombia.

El webinar abordará el contexto local, los principios y la organización de la comunidad de paz y las constantes amenazas de su vida debido a su voluntad de rechazar la violencia y explorará más sobre las cuestiones de derechos humanos en el contexto de Colombia.
Los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de aprender más sobre la resistencia no violenta y tendrán la oportunidad de escuchar testimonios de primera mano de los miembros de la comunidad y además una contribución desde la perspectiva de instituciones internacionales como la Oficina del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos en Bogotá.

Nuestros principales ponentes serán:

• Gildardo Tuberquia y otros, Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó

• Andrea Garzón, Comisión Colombiana de Juristas

• Carlos De La Torre, Oficina del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos Colombia
  
  
  A lo largo del encuentro online, los participantes tendrán la posibilidad de hacer preguntas a los ponentes.

¡Regístrate en bit.ly/FORPP20y participa!
Después de registrarse, recibirá por correo electrónico el enlace para conectarse en Zoom el día 16.
El webinar será en inglés y español.

Más información sobre la SERIE DE WEBINARIOS DEL ANIVERSARIO, organizada por International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR junto con FOR Peace Presence y FOR Austria - Versöhnungsbund, está disponible en https://www.ifor.org/.../anniversary-webinar-series-on....

Más información sobre el seminario web nº 1

Le invitamos a compartirlo en las redes sociales aquí

WEBINAR #1 "20 YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL ACCOMPANIMENT IN COLOMBIA"

IFOR-International Fellowship of Reconciliation, together with FOR Peace Presence and FOR Austria, is pleased to invite you to the

WEBINAR #1 of the ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR SERIES

Click here to download flyer

“20 YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL ACCOMPANIMENT IN COLOMBIA”

February 26th 2022 at 5pm CET (UTC+1) on Zoom

This webinar #1 will focus on international accompaniment and will present the 20 years’ experience of FOR Peace Presence.

The webinar will address the local context, the need for international accompaniment, the perspective of accompanied person, the experience of past and present accompaniers and will explore more on challenges and their development through two decades; participants will have the opportunity to hear about different contexts of action and learn about the new approach FORPP is implementing and opportunities for interested people.

Our main speakers will be:

• Peter Cousins, IFOR vice-president and former FORPP accompanier

• Gildardo Tuberquia, Peace Community of San José de Apartadó

• Jutta Meier-Wiedenbach and Chris Moore-Backman, former FORPP accompaniers

• María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos, accompanied person and current FORPP accompanier

• Michaela Soellinger, FOR Austria and current FORPP accompanier

• Manuel Müller, FORPP program director

Throughout the online meeting, participants will have the possibility to ask questions to the speakers and in the last part of the webinar, during the open forum, all interested people will be welcomed to contribute on the topic of international accompaniment and share their own -and their organizations- experience.

Register here and participate!  

After you registered, you will receive by email the link to connect on Zoom on the 26th and further details on WEBINAR #1. 

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Webinar #1 - "20 years of international accompaniment in Colombia" 

Program

Welcoming

1st part

PRESENTATION #1 : Historical insight into the international accompaniment by FOR Peace Presence

  Peter Cousins, IFOR vice-president and former FOR Peace Presence accompanier

PRESENTATION #2: International accompaniment in the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó 

  Gildardo Tuberquia, Peace Community of San José de Apartadó

2nd part

TESTIMONIES: interview with former and current FOR Peace Presence accompaniers

   Jutta Meier-Wiedenbach and Chris Moore-Backman, María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos y Michaela Soellinger

3rd part

PRESENTATION #3: FOR Peace Presence in today Colombian context

  Manuel Müller, FOR Peace Presence program coordinator

  María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos, accompanied person and current FOR Peace Presence accompanier

  Michaela Soellinger, FOR Austria and current FOR Peace Presence accompanier

OPEN FORUM: exchange on international accompaniment

Closing

*Q&As moderated throughout the meeting

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The webinar series will be in English and Spanish with 3 languages interpretation, including French as well.

The webinar series celebrates 25 years of the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó and 20 years of FOR Peace Presence.

The aim of this webinar series is to raise awareness on current Colombian issues, give voice to the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó and provide an opportunity to share lessons learned on international accompaniment which can also be applied in other contexts; thus, build stronger connection and solidarity and learn how to best collaborate globally and locally for human rights and peacebuilding.

This webinar #1 will be followed by another in March and one more in April.

More info on the ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR SERIES are available here. 

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation-IFOR, a centenary spiritual based peace movement, engages on the field of human rights at the international level within the UN system where it holds a consultative status and partners together with local organizations to support local efforts and report on human rights issues.

The Fellowship of Reconciliation Peace Presence-FORPP (IFOR’s affiliate) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to providing international accompaniment to communities and individuals at risk in Colombia who embrace active nonviolence working to promote human rights, peace and justice.

The Austrian Fellowship of Reconciliation-FOR Austria (Internationaler Versöhnungsbund), as part of the international peace movement, actively works non-violently for a just and sustainable peace. Since 2006 FOR Austria accompanies communities and human rights defenders in Colombia in collaboration with FOR Peace Presence.

DON’T FORGET TO REGISTER AND PASS ALONG THE WORD!

You are welcome to also share on Fb here

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IFOR-International Fellowship of Reconciliation, 

junto con FOR Peace Presence y FOR Austria, se alegra de invitarle al 

WEBINAR #1 de la SERIE DE WEBINARIOS DEL ANIVERSARIO

Descarga el flyer aquí

"20 AÑOS DE ACOMPAÑAMIENTO INTERNACIONAL EN COLOMBIA"

26 de febrero de 2022 a las 17 horas CET (UTC+1) en Zoom

Este webinar #1 se centrará en el acompañamiento internacional y presentará la experiencia de 20 años de FOR Peace Presence.

El webinar abordará el contexto local, la necesidad del acompañamiento internacional, la perspectiva de la persona acompañada, la experiencia de los acompañantes pasados y presentes y explorará más sobre los desafíos y su desarrollo a través de dos décadas; los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de escuchar sobre diferentes contextos de acción y aprender sobre el nuevo método que FORPP está implementando y las oportunidades para las personas interesadas.

Nuestros principales ponentes serán

- Peter Cousins, vicepresidente de IFOR y antiguo acompañante del FORPP

- Gildardo Tuberquia, Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó

- Jutta Meier-Wiedenbach y Chris Moore-Backman, antiguos acompañantes del FORPP

- María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos, persona acompañada y actual acompañante del FORPP

- Michaela Soellinger, FOR Austria y actual acompañante del FORPP

- Manuel Müller, director del programa FORPP

A lo largo del encuentro online, los participantes tendrán la posibilidad de hacer preguntas a los ponentes y en la última parte del webinar, durante el foro abierto, todas las personas interesadas serán bienvenidas para contribuir sobre el tema del acompañamiento internacional y compartir su propia -y sus organizaciones- experiencia.

¡Inscríbase aquí y participe!  

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Webinar #1 -  "20 años de acompañamiento internacional en Colombia" 

Programa

Bienvenido

1ª parte
PRESENTACIÓN #1: Visión histórica del acompañamiento internacional de FOR Peace Presence
  Peter Cousins, vicepresidente de IFOR y antiguo acompañante de FOR Peace Presence
PRESENTACIÓN #2: El acompañamiento internacional en la Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó
  Gildardo Tuberquia, Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó

2ª parte
TESTIMONIOS: entrevista con antiguos y actuales acompañantes de FOR Peace Presence

  Jutta Meier-Wiedenbach y Chris Moore-Backman, María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos y Michaela Soellinger

3ª parte
PRESENTACIÓN #3: La Presencia de Paz de FOR en el contexto colombiano actual
  Manuel Müller, Coordinador del programa FOR Peace Presence
  María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos, persona acompañada y actual acompañante de FOR Peace Presence
  Michaela Soellinger, acompañante de FOR Austria y actual acompañante de FOR Peace Presence
FORO ABIERTO: intercambio sobre el acompañamiento internacional

Clausura

*Preguntas y respuestas moderadas a lo largo de la reunión

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Después de inscribirse, recibirá por correo electrónico el enlace para conectarse en Zoom el día 26 y más detalles sobre el WEBINAR #1. 

La serie de seminarios web se realizará en inglés y español, con interpretación en tres idiomas, incluido el francés.

La serie de webinarios celebra los 25 años de la Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó y los 20 años de FOR Peace Presence.

El objetivo de esta serie de webinarios es sensibilizar sobre temas de actualidad en Colombia, dar voz a la Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó y proporcionar una oportunidad para compartir las lecciones aprendidas sobre el acompañamiento internacional que también puede aplicarse en otros contextos; así, construir una conexión y solidaridad más fuerte y aprender cómo colaborar mejor a nivel global y local para los derechos humanos y la construcción de la paz.

A este webinar #1 le seguirá otro en marzo y uno más en abril.

Más información sobre la SERIE DE WEBINARIOS DEL ANIVERSARIO está disponible aquí

El International Fellowship of Reconciliation-IFOR, un movimiento centenario de paz basado en la espiritualidad, se compromete en el campo de los derechos humanos a nivel internacional dentro del sistema de la ONU, donde tiene un estatus consultivo y se asocia con organizaciones locales para apoyar los esfuerzos locales e informar sobre cuestiones de derechos humanos. 

El Fellowship of Reconciliation Peace Presence-FORPP (afiliado a IFOR) es una organización no gubernamental dedicada a proporcionar acompañamiento internacional a comunidades e individuos en situación de riesgo en Colombia que abrazan la no violencia activa y trabajan para promover los derechos humanos, la paz y la justicia. 

El Movimiento Austriaco de Reconciliación - FOR Austria (Internationaler Versöhnungsbund), como parte del movimiento internacional por la paz, trabaja activamente de forma no violenta por una paz justa y sostenible. Desde 2006 FOR Austria ha acompañado a las comunidades y a los defensores de los derechos humanos en Colombia en colaboración con FOR Peace Presence.

¡NO OLVIDES REGISTRARTE Y PASAR LA VOZ!

También puedes compartirlo en Fb aquí

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IFOR - Mouvement International de la Réconciliation, 

en collaboration avec FOR Peace Presence et FOR Autriche, a le plaisir de vous inviter à la WEBINAR #1 de la SÉRIE DE WEBINAIRES ANNIVERSAIRE

"20 ANS D'ACCOMPAGNEMENT INTERNATIONAL EN COLOMBIE"

Clique ici pour décharger

26 février 2022 à 17h00 CET (UTC+1) sur Zoom

Ce webinaire #1 se concentrera sur l'accompagnement international et présentera les 20 ans d'expérience de FOR Peace Presence.

Le webinaire abordera le contexte local, la nécessité de l'accompagnement international, la perspective de la personne accompagnée, l'expérience des accompagnateurs passés et présents et explorera davantage les défis et leur évolution au cours de deux décennies ; les participants auront l'occasion d'entendre parler de différents contextes d'action et d'apprendre la nouvelle approche que FORPP met en œuvre et les opportunités pour les personnes intéressées.

Nos principaux intervenants seront :

- Peter Cousins, vice-président d'IFOR et ancien accompagnateur du FORPP.

- Gildardo Tuberquia, Communauté de Paix de San José de Apartadó

- Jutta Meier-Wiedenbach et Chris Moore-Backman, anciens accompagnateurs du FORPP

- María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos, personne accompagnée et accompagnatrice actuelle du FORPP

- Michaela Soellinger, FOR Autriche et accompagnatrice actuelle du FORPP

- Manuel Müller, directeur du programme FORPP

Tout au long de la réunion en ligne, les participants auront la possibilité de poser des questions aux intervenants et dans la dernière partie du webinaire, lors du forum ouvert, toutes les personnes intéressées seront invitées à contribuer sur le thème de l'accompagnement international et à partager leur propre expérience -et celle de leur organisation-.

Inscrivez-vous ici et participez !  

Après votre inscription, vous recevrez par email le lien pour vous connecter sur Zoom le 26 et plus de détails sur le WEBINAR #1. 

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Webinar #1 - "20 ans d'accompagnement international en Colombie".

Programme

Accueil

1ère partie

PRESENTATION#1 : Aperçu historique de l'accompagnement international par FOR Peace Presence  

   Peter Cousins, vice-président d'IFOR et ancien accompagnateur de la FOR Peace Presence.

PRESENTATION #2 : Accompagnement international dans la Communauté de Paix de San José de Apartadó   

   Gildardo Tuberquia, Communauté de paix de San José de Apartadó

2ème partie

TESTIMONIES : interview d'anciens et d'actuels accompagnateurs de FOR Peace Presence   

   Jutta Meier-Wiedenbachet Chris Moore-Backman, MaríaEugenia Mosquera Riascos et Michaela Soellinger

3ème partie

PRESENTATION #3 : FOR Peace Presence dans le contexte colombien actuel  

   Manuel Müller, coordinateur du programme FOR Peace Presence  

   María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos, personne accompagnée et accompagnatrice actuelle de FOR Peace Presence  

   Michaela Soellinger, FOR Autriche et accompagnatrice actuelle de FOR Peace Presence

FORUM OUVERT : échange sur l'accompagnement international

Clôture 

*Q&Rs animées tout au long de la réunion

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La série de webinaires sera en anglais et en espagnol avec une interprétation en 3 langues, y compris le français.

La série de webinaires célèbre les 25 ans de la Communauté de Paix de San José de Apartadó et les 20 ans de FOR Peace Presence.

L'objectif de cette série de webinaires est de sensibiliser aux problèmes actuels en Colombie, de donner une voix à la Communauté de Paix de San José de Apartadó et de fournir une occasion de partager les leçons apprises sur l'accompagnement international qui peut également être appliqué dans d'autres contextes; de renforcer les liens et la solidarité, et d'apprendre comment mieux collaborer au niveau mondial et local pour les droits de l'homme et la consolidation de la paix.

Ce webinaire n°1 sera suivi d'un autre en mars et d'un autre encore en avril.

De plus amples informations sur la SÉRIE DE WEBINAR ANNIVERSAIRE sont disponibles ici (insérer un lien hypertexte https://www.ifor.org/recent-news-from-the-movement-3)

Le Mouvement International de la Réconciliation (International Fellowship of Reconciliation-IFOR), un mouvement de paix centenaire fondé sur la spiritualité, s'engage dans le domaine des droits de l'homme au niveau international au sein du système des Nations Unies, où il détient un statut consultatif, et s'associe à des organisations locales pour soutenir les efforts locaux et produire des rapports sur les questions relatives aux droits de l'homme.

Le Fellowship of Reconciliation Peace Presence-FORPP (affilié à l'IFOR) est une organisation non gouvernementale qui se consacre à l'accompagnement international des communautés et des personnes à risque en Colombie qui pratiquent la non-violence active pour promouvoir les droits de l'homme, la paix et la justice.

Le Mouvement autrichien de la Réconciliation - FOR Autriche (Internationaler Versöhnungsbund), qui fait partie du mouvement international pour la paix, œuvre activement et de manière non violente pour une paix juste et durable. Depuis 2006, FOR Autriche accompagne les communautés et les défenseurs des droits de l'homme en Colombie en collaboration avec FOR Peace Presence.

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IFOR reports to the UN Human Rights Committee on the violations of the right to conscientious objection to military service in Bolivia and Israel

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation has prepared two reports regarding military service and conscientious objection issues in Bolivia and in Israel and it has submitted them to the UN Human Rights Committee to be considered for the 134th session which will take place in March and will include the review of those two States. 

Bolivia does not have a domestic legislative framework for conscientious objectors.

At the end of compulsory military service and voluntary military service, the "libreta militar" is issued. This document is required to enter university, to obtain a university degree, to access jobs with the public administration and private companies, to obtain a passport and to obtain a citizenship card free of charge.

In Bolivia, there is a very favourable perception of the role of the Armed Forces and, therefore, of the need for compulsory military service as the place where the development of youth in political, labour and socio-cultural aspects is initiated and completed.

Israel fails to recognise the right to conscientious objection to military service, in accordance with the international human rights standards. In practice, Israel does not recognise someone as a conscientious objector unless he/she is considered by the Special Military Committee as “clearly pacifistic”.

Worth noting that even conscientious objectors with explicit pacifistic views are not recognised and are punished in case they cite anything that can be perceived by the Special Military Committee as “ideological and political beliefs”, for example any opposition to the occupation of Palestinian territories, or the treatment of the Palestinians by Israel.

The OHCHR has explicitly stated that “States should ensure that the right to object applies both to pacifists and to selective objectors who believe that the use of force is justified in some circumstances but not in others”

IFOR recommended in its submission:

a. The special Committee deciding on conscientious objection applications should be made fully independent, including being separate by the military authorities and entirely civilian, and proceedings should provide for a right to appeal against negative decisions to independent administrative and judicial bodies.

b. Recognise in law and practice the right to conscientious objection, including selective objection, in accordance with international law and human rights standards.

c. Immediately cease the imprisonment of conscientious objectors, including repeated imprisonment in violation of the ne bis in idem principle (art. 14(7)) and of the right not to be subject to coercion which would impair one’s freedom to have or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice (art. 18(2)).

d. Prohibit in law trials of conscientious objectors by military courts.

e. Provide full reparation to conscientious objectors whose Covenant rights have been violated.

The report includes an annex about "Known cases of imprisoned conscientious objectors since 2016"; the imprisonment of conscientious objectors to military service, apart from a violation of art. 18(1) of ICCPR, also constitutes a violation of art. 9(1) of ICCPR. The Human Rights Committee has repeatedly stated in recent years “that just as detention as punishment for the legitimate exercise of the right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed by article 19 of the Covenant is arbitrary, so too is detention as punishment for legitimate exercise of freedom of religion and conscience, as guaranteed by article 18 of the Covenant.”

Here you can read the complete report prepared by IFOR on Bolivia, and Israel published on the UN website.

To learn more about the contribution of civil society to the State review process at the UN Human Rights Committee you are welcome to click here.

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Israel

Amnesty International has relased a special report on February 1st where it has analysed the situation in Israel and occupied palestinian territories and it has concluded that the the system detected on the ground amounts to apartheid.

Click here to read the report in several languages.

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Bolivia

At the end of January a Bolivian collective organization called CASA (Colectivo de Coordinación de Acciones Socioambientales), which is part of the RAMALC Latin American network, published a video on the perception of military service in Bolivia.

Many of the issues presented in the video, are described as well in the report submitted by IFOR to the Human Rights Committee.

Click here to watch the video

IFOR welcomes you to its "INTRODUCTION TO THE UN" program September 20th -24th 2021

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR), after the postponement due to the ongoing pandemic, is glad to invite you to participate to the new edition of the special program aimed to provide an opportunity to come and see the work of IFOR at the United Nations in Geneva and experience first-hand engagement within UN system.

The program will last one week, from Monday September 20th to Friday 24th 2021. It will run during the 48th session of the UN Human Rights Council. 

Participants will learn more about IFOR work on conscientious objection at the UN and find out how civil society can fully engage at the UN  and network.

We contemplate a group of about ten people, which can move about together and is also small enough to share reflections communally between formal meetings.

Have a look at the first edition here. 

Unfortunately, this year, due to the current situation concerning covid-19, the running of the program could be subject to changes accordingly to the ongoing pandemic and some meetings at the UN may not be in person.

PROGRAMME

The detailed program will be sent to the participants prior to the start of the program.

Program will start in Geneva on Monday 20th at 4 pm with a preliminary orientation session.

During the week the participants will attend to working sessions of the Human Rights Council -which include plenary meetings, negotiations of resolutions, side events-, assist in the drafting and delivering of oral statements, participate in informal meetings with partner NGOs, explore advocacy initiatives. 

The program will conclude on Friday 24th at noon. 

Every day participants will have the possibility to meet together to exchange on the experience and deepen topics and procedures of interest with IFOR UN representatives; in addition there will be a tutoring opportunity to better follow the Human Rights Council working sessions, the general debates and interactive dialogues planned in the Program of Work of the UN.

ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL

IFOR has pre-arranged a single room accommodation with full board at the John Knox Centre which is located near the Palais des Nations, in Geneva. These costs (accommodation + meals) will be covered by IFOR through the Otto per Mille fund of the Waldensian Church. All participants will receive a free pass for local public transportation for the entire period.

Other costs shall be met by the participants and/or their organizations. 

HOW TO APPLY

To apply you need to fill in the online form here    

Deadline for application is September 1st 2021 at 1pm CEST. The confirmation of the application will be notified to the candidates within the following 48 hours.

If necessary, we will give preference to: 

a) those who are prepared to commit for the entire week

b) persons with a direct connection with IFOR

c) young people.

For further information you are welcome to contact Zaira Zafarana, coordinator of the program, at zaira.zafarana@ifor.org

1. Due to the pandemic some meetings may have restriction and not allow participation in person.
   

NOTE: Given the current situation of the pandemic the program will run accordingly to the actual situation and safety measures in place. Participants are invited to check all requirements given by the Swiss Federal Office for people traveling from other countries.

Looking forward to having you in Geneva!

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READ ABOUT OUR PARTICIPANTS' FEEDBACK:

"It was an intensive and interesting time with the great opportunity to get to know other committed young people and human rights defenders." - Sophia

"Introduction to the UN" was one of the eye-opening events I have ever participated in. The agenda was perfectly scheduled, the participants fit well together, all other moments organized so well that we could get most of it despite the COVID restrictions. I wish IFOR would continue to maintain such an enthusiasm to support those who are willing to speak out about their issues, thus contributing to the peace movement." - Aku

"Introduction to the UN" is an intense and brilliant way to get to know and experience how the UN functions. To me was a chance to visit Geneva and its diplomatic atmosphere as well as lifestyle. In a multicultural environment, I had the chance to know more about local cases of human rights defenders such as the ones in South America witnessed by other participants and activists. I really enjoyed it and it was really inspiring!" - Silvia

"I enjoyed the program in general a lot as it helped me to get a deeper understanding of the UN in general and IFORs international work in particular. It was super interesting to slowly realize how complex international diplomacy can be and how strategic the work of NGOs like IFOR has to be to achieve any impact on a specific topic." - Marco

"This was an enlightening experience with a really engaged group, that was put together in the midst of covid restrictions, that nevertheless conveyed the reality of how the UN works and how it is possible for civil society to engage with it." - Peter

"The UN system is incredibly difficult and convoluted, an experience like this UN introductory week can demystify your preconceptions of the world of the United Nation and show you in very practical terms how you can use the different aspects of the UN system to further your own humanitarian and sociopolitical goals either persona or within an organization." - Iskra

CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION: CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION AND ASYLUM webinar series by IFOR-QUNO-WRI

IFOR is gladly inviting to the 5th webinar of the series "CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION" which is organized together with Quaker United Nations Office and War Resisters' International.

IFOR is pleased to invite you to the 5th webinar in the series

"CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION AND ASYLUM"

Organized together with Quaker United Nations Office and War Resisters' International.

This 5th webinar will have a particular focus on conscientious objection and asylum.

We will start from the basic question "Why do people object?" and listen to some first-hand answers, and then we will address the issue of asylum which concerns many objectors who have to flee their countries because of persecutions and violations, as a consequence of their choice to refuse to serve in the military.

• International Fellowship of Reconciliation will share about some of its members testimonies on conscientious objection.

• War Resisters' International will present its publication on Conscientious Objection in Turkey, including contributions from conscientious objectors from Turkey who sought asylum in Europe.

• The Quaker United Nations Office will present their recent report "Conscientious Objection to Military Service and Refugee Status Determination.

This webinar will offer an opportunity to know more about the experience of objecting to military service and to explore ways to support objectors who are seeking asylum in different countries around the world. Participants will get insights on legal background, international standards and national context and will get information on further available resources.

Register here to get the link to connect and participate:
https://us02web.zoom.us/.../tZEtcOyqrTwvHN0tYjpb9PMDJxgLT...

The event will be in English and last 1 hour and 30 minutes, including a Q & A section.

The webinar will be followed by a 30-minute community forum allowing a space for attendees to share any relevant updates about their work and countries and to inform on upcoming initiatives. 
Check the Facebook event here and spread the word.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

The webinar will be run in English.

You are welcome to register here to receive the link to join in online on the May 16th, and anticipate any possible questions you may have:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEtcOyqrTwvHN0tYjpb9PMDJxgLTHz2LtX1fbclid=IwAR2X_uY6LyFwcyjGKgDbhsinpDzD6WY_4rvBt79FzNvYvjEoXbLaTmS8jgo

We invite you to share the invitation!
-through your networks and social media-
and to participate!

You can download the original flier here

You can find here the Fb event ready to be shared.

CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION: International Solidarity - the Case of Turkey webinar series by IFOR-QUNO-WRI

Este evento también se impartirá en español y turco, entra aquí para inscribirte.

Haz clic aquí para descargar el folleto en español y leer más sobre este evento.

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IFOR is gladly inviting to the 4th webinar of the series "CAMPAIGNING FOR CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION" which is organized together with Quaker United Nations Office and War Resisters' International .

This new webinar will take place on May 14th 2021 at 4:30pm CEST and will focus on

INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY
The Turkey Case

In Turkey the condition of conscientious objectors is defined as civil death because they are excluded by social, political and economic life.

We will hear from the Turkish organization for conscientious objection and from objectors who will share about their personal experience.

Guest Speakers Include:

• Dr Mine Yıldırım, Head of the Freedom of Belief Initiative, Norwegian Helsinki Committee

• Merve Arkun, Coordinator, Conscientious Objection Association, Turkey

• Seyda Can Yılmaz, Conscientious objector

• Onur Erden, Conscientious objector

• Ercan Jan Aktaş, Conscientious objectorWar Resisters' International

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

The webinar will be run in English and in Spanish.

You are welcome to register here to receive the link to join in online on the May 14th, and anticipate any possible questions you may have: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcld-2vrjktH9OKOVFc7g8q3k2sRCmOKYaC

We invite you to share the invitation!
-through your networks and social media-
and to participate!

You can download the original flier here

You can find here the Fb event ready to be shared.