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)

IFOR submits to the UN UPR reports on the right to conscientious objection to military service in the Republic of Korea and Switzerland

IFOR has prepared and submitted to the UN two reports for the upcoming 42nd session of the Universal Periodic Review of the Republic of Korea and Switzerland. The formal session will take place at the beginning of 2023.

The Republic of Korea has a long-standing history of discrimination and violations of human rights of conscientious objectors. It has been noted as a country with an high level of inprisoned conscientious objectors.

In the recent years there has been a significative legislative development with the introduction by law of an alternative service which, unfortunately, in practice remain punitive and discriminatory. Korean conscientious objectors, indeed, serve a 36 months alternative service in prison or other correctional facilities and some are still sentenced to prison.

Other issues of concern are the lack of independence and impartiality of the body examining applications for conscientious objector status and the lack of effective remedies to victims of violations.

IFOR has include as well in its report suggested recommendation to be addressed to the Republic of Korea to respect and fully implement the human rights of conscientious objectors.

In the past cycle of the Universal Periodic Review, the Republic of Korea has received multiple recommendations by Member States and had rejected all but one about the releasing of all conscientious objectors imprisoned; this is a commitment which has not been yet completely fulfilled.

You can read here the complete country based report with more details on the legal development and insights on international standards.

You can find more information on the previous cycle of the Universal Periodic Review of the Republic of Korea here.

In Switzerland the domestic legislation does not fully comply with the international standards. IFOR has raised concerns related to the right to conscientious objection to military service such as the punitive duration of the alternative civilian service, the criminalisation of conscientious objectors who refuse or fail to perform the punitive and discriminatory alternative civilian service and finally the violation of the right to fair trial of conscientious objectors tried by military courts.

You can read the complete report here.

You can find out more about the previous review of Switzerland here.

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The Universal Periodic Review is a State-driven process, which provides the opportunity for each State to present what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situation in their country and to fulfil their human rights obligations; the State under review will also report on the implementation of the previously accepted recommendations. UN Member States have the possibility to ask questions and make recommendations to the State under review. UPR Working Group consists of the 47 members of the Council, however any member state can take part in the discussion.
The review is based on information provided by the interested State, independent human rights experts and other stakeholders such as NGOs.
NGOs reports and proposed recommendations can be referred to by any of the States taking part in the interactive discussion during the review; it is therefore of vital importance to engage at the UPR and address specific issues which can be therefore part of the dialogue with the country under review.
IFOR focuses in particular on issues related to conscientious objection and to the militarization of society. 

IFOR is currently running a particular conscientious objection project, funded by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT), a grant-making Quaker trust. Among the main aims there are research work and redaction of thematic country-based reports to be submitted to the UN for the regular State reviews on human rights.

The right to refuse to kill, although it is a human right, it is not recognized in all countries and many objectors are persecuted.

IFOR is committed to support this right and make a lasting change in society, for peace. JRCT recognizes that "change can take many years to achieve and is willing to take the long view, and to take the risks".

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

Statement of the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement on the current regional crisis

On February 1st 2022, the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement released a public statement concerning the current crisis in the region.

This Movement is also a member of the European Bureau for Conscientious Objection (EBCO), of which IFOR is a supporting partner.

Statement of the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement
The people of our country and the entire planet are in mortal danger due to the nuclear confrontation between the civilizations of East and West. We need to stop the build-up of troops, the accumulation of weapons and military equipment in and around Ukraine, the insane throwing of taxpayers’ money into the furnace of the war machine instead of solving acute socio-economic and environmental problems. We need to stop indulging the cruel whims of military commanders and oligarchs who profit from bloodshed.
The Ukrainian Pacifist Movement condemns the preparation of Ukraine and NATO member states for war with Russia.
We demand global de-escalation and disarmament, the dissolution of military alliances, the elimination of armies and borders that divide people.
We demand an immediate peaceful settlement of the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine, around Donetsk and Luhansk, on the basis of:
1) absolute compliance with a ceasefire by all pro-Ukrainian and pro-Russian combatants and strict adherence to the Package of measures for the Implementation of the Minsk agreements, approved by UN Security Council Resolution 2202 (2015);
2) withdrawal of all troops, cessation of all supplies of weapons and military equipment, cessation of total mobilization of the population for war, cessation of propaganda of war and hostility between civilizations in the media and social networks;
3) conducting open, inclusive and comprehensive negotiations on peace and disarmament in the format of a public dialogue between all state and non-state parties to the conflict with the participation of pro-peace civil society actors;
4) enshrining neutrality of our country by the Constitution of Ukraine;
5) guaranteeing the human right to conscientious objection to military service (including refusal to be trained for military service), in accordance with Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and paragraphs 2, 11 of the General Comment № 22 of the UN Human Rights Committee.
War is a crime against humanity. Therefore, we are determined not to support any kind of war and to strive for the removal of all causes of war.
Here you can find the original text in Ukrainian and Russianst-movement/

For more information of the Ukrainian Pacificifist Movement you can visit their web page.

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Below you can find the automatic translation in several other languages such as Spanish, German, French, Dutch, Italian, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Turkish, Finnish and Hungarian.

Español

Declaración del Movimiento Pacifista Ucraniano

Los pueblos de nuestro país y del planeta entero corren peligro de muerte por el enfrentamiento nuclear entre las civilizaciones de Oriente y Occidente. Necesitamos detener la acumulación de tropas, la acumulación de armas y equipos militares en Ucrania y sus alrededores, la locura de arrojar el dinero de los contribuyentes al horno de la máquina de guerra en lugar de resolver problemas socioeconómicos y ambientales agudos. Necesitamos dejar de complacer los caprichos crueles de los comandantes militares y los oligarcas que se benefician del derramamiento de sangre.
El Movimiento Pacifista Ucraniano condena la preparación de Ucrania y los estados miembros de la OTAN para la guerra con Rusia.
Exigimos la desescalada y el desarme global, la disolución de las alianzas militares, la eliminación de los ejércitos y las fronteras que dividen a los pueblos.
Exigimos una solución pacífica inmediata del conflicto armado en el este de Ucrania, alrededor de Donetsk y Luhansk, sobre la base de:
1) cumplimiento absoluto de un alto el fuego por parte de todos los combatientes pro-ucranianos y pro-rusos y estricta adhesión al Paquete de medidas para la implementación de los acuerdos de Minsk, aprobado por la Resolución 2202 (2015) del Consejo de Seguridad de la ONU;
2) retiro de todas las tropas, cese de todos los suministros de armas y equipo militar, cese de la movilización total de la población para la guerra, cese de la propaganda de guerra y hostilidad entre civilizaciones en los medios de comunicación y redes sociales;
3) llevar a cabo negociaciones abiertas, inclusivas e integrales sobre la paz y el desarme en el formato de un diálogo público entre todas las partes estatales y no estatales del conflicto con la participación de los actores de la sociedad civil a favor de la paz;
4) consagrar la neutralidad de nuestro país por la Constitución de Ucrania;
5) garantizar el derecho humano a la objeción de conciencia al servicio militar (incluida la negativa a recibir formación para el servicio militar), de conformidad con el artículo 18 del Pacto Internacional de Derechos Civiles y Políticos y los párrafos 2, 11 de la Observación General n.º 22 de la Comité de Derechos Humanos de la ONU.
La guerra es un crimen contra la humanidad. Por lo tanto, estamos decididos a no apoyar ningún tipo de guerra y luchar por la eliminación de todas las causas de la guerra.

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русский

Erklärung der Ukrainischen Pazifistischen Bewegung

Die Menschen unseres Landes und des gesamten Planeten sind aufgrund der nuklearen Konfrontation zwischen den Zivilisationen von Ost und West in Lebensgefahr. Wir müssen den Aufbau von Truppen, die Anhäufung von Waffen und militärischer Ausrüstung in und um die Ukraine, das wahnsinnige Einwerfen von Steuergeldern in den Schmelzofen der Kriegsmaschine stoppen, anstatt akute sozioökonomische und ökologische Probleme zu lösen. Wir müssen aufhören, den grausamen Launen von Militärkommandanten und Oligarchen nachzugeben, die vom Blutvergießen profitieren.
Die ukrainische pazifistische Bewegung verurteilt die Vorbereitung der Ukraine und der NATO-Mitgliedstaaten auf einen Krieg mit Russland.
Wir fordern weltweite Deeskalation und Abrüstung, die Auflösung von Militärbündnissen, die Beseitigung von Armeen und Grenzen, die Menschen trennen.
Wir fordern eine sofortige friedliche Beilegung des bewaffneten Konflikts in der Ostukraine um Donezk und Luhansk auf der Grundlage von:
1) absolute Einhaltung eines Waffenstillstands durch alle pro-ukrainischen und pro-russischen Kombattanten und strikte Einhaltung des Maßnahmenpakets zur Umsetzung der Minsker Vereinbarungen, genehmigt durch die Resolution 2202 (2015) des UN-Sicherheitsrates;
2) Abzug aller Truppen, Einstellung aller Lieferungen von Waffen und militärischer Ausrüstung, Einstellung der vollständigen Mobilisierung der Bevölkerung für den Krieg, Einstellung der Kriegspropaganda und der Feindseligkeit zwischen den Zivilisationen in den Medien und sozialen Netzwerken;
3) Führung offener, inklusiver und umfassender Friedens- und Abrüstungsverhandlungen im Format eines öffentlichen Dialogs zwischen allen staatlichen und nichtstaatlichen Konfliktparteien unter Beteiligung friedensfördernder zivilgesellschaftlicher Akteure;
4) Verankerung der Neutralität unseres Landes in der Verfassung der Ukraine;
5) Gewährleistung des Menschenrechts auf Wehrdienstverweigerung aus Gewissensgründen (einschließlich Weigerung, für den Militärdienst ausgebildet zu werden), in Übereinstimmung mit Artikel 18 des Internationalen Pakts über bürgerliche und politische Rechte und den Absätzen 2, 11 des Allgemeinen Kommentars Nr. 22 des UN-Menschenrechtsausschuss.
Krieg ist ein Verbrechen gegen die Menschlichkeit. Deshalb sind wir entschlossen, keinerlei Krieg zu unterstützen und uns um die Beseitigung aller Kriegsursachen zu bemühen.

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Français

Déclaration du Mouvement Pacifiste Ukrainien

Le peuple de notre pays et la planète entière sont en danger de mort en raison de la confrontation nucléaire entre les civilisations de l'Est et de l'Ouest. Nous devons mettre fin à l'accumulation de troupes, à l'accumulation d'armes et d'équipements militaires en Ukraine et dans les environs, à la folie de jeter l'argent des contribuables dans la fournaise de la machine de guerre au lieu de résoudre des problèmes socio-économiques et environnementaux aigus. Nous devons cesser de céder aux caprices cruels des commandants militaires et des oligarques qui profitent des effusions de sang.
Le Mouvement pacifiste ukrainien condamne la préparation de l'Ukraine et des États membres de l'OTAN à la guerre avec la Russie.
Nous exigeons la désescalade et le désarmement mondiaux, la dissolution des alliances militaires, l'élimination des armées et des frontières qui divisent les peuples.
Nous exigeons un règlement pacifique immédiat du conflit armé dans l'est de l'Ukraine, autour de Donetsk et Louhansk, sur la base de :
1) le respect absolu d'un cessez-le-feu par tous les combattants pro-ukrainiens et pro-russes et le strict respect de l'ensemble de mesures pour la mise en œuvre des accords de Minsk, approuvé par la résolution 2202 (2015) du Conseil de sécurité des Nations unies ;
2) retrait de toutes les troupes, arrêt de tous les approvisionnements en armes et équipements militaires, arrêt de la mobilisation totale de la population pour la guerre, arrêt de la propagande de guerre et de l'hostilité entre les civilisations dans les médias et les réseaux sociaux ;
3) mener des négociations ouvertes, inclusives et globales sur la paix et le désarmement sous la forme d'un dialogue public entre toutes les parties étatiques et non étatiques au conflit avec la participation d'acteurs de la société civile favorables à la paix ;
4) consacrer la neutralité de notre pays par la Constitution de l'Ukraine ;
5) garantir le droit de l'homme à l'objection de conscience au service militaire (y compris le refus d'être formé pour le service militaire), conformément à l'article 18 du Pacte international relatif aux droits civils et politiques et aux paragraphes 2, 11 de l'Observation générale № 22 du Comité des droits de l'homme des Nations Unies.
La guerre est un crime contre l'humanité. Par conséquent, nous sommes déterminés à ne soutenir aucune sorte de guerre et à nous efforcer d'éliminer toutes les causes de guerre.

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Nederlands

Verklaring van de Oekraïense pacifistische beweging

De mensen van ons land en de hele planeet zijn in levensgevaar door de nucleaire confrontatie tussen de beschavingen van Oost en West. We moeten een einde maken aan de opbouw van troepen, de accumulatie van wapens en militaire uitrusting in en rond Oekraïne, het krankzinnige geld van de belastingbetaler in de oven van de oorlogsmachine gooien in plaats van acute sociaal-economische en milieuproblemen op te lossen. We moeten stoppen met het toegeven aan de wrede grillen van militaire commandanten en oligarchen die profiteren van bloedvergieten.
De Oekraïense Pacifistische Beweging veroordeelt de voorbereiding van Oekraïne en de NAVO-lidstaten op een oorlog met Rusland.
We eisen wereldwijde de-escalatie en ontwapening, de ontbinding van militaire allianties, de eliminatie van legers en grenzen die mensen verdelen.
Wij eisen een onmiddellijke vreedzame oplossing van het gewapende conflict in Oost-Oekraïne, rond Donetsk en Loehansk, op basis van:
1) absolute naleving van een staakt-het-vuren door alle pro-Oekraïense en pro-Russische strijders en strikte naleving van het pakket maatregelen voor de uitvoering van de akkoorden van Minsk, goedgekeurd door resolutie 2202 (2015) van de VN-Veiligheidsraad;
2) terugtrekking van alle troepen, stopzetting van alle leveringen van wapens en militaire uitrusting, stopzetting van de totale mobilisatie van de bevolking voor oorlog, stopzetting van oorlogspropaganda en vijandigheid tussen beschavingen in de media en sociale netwerken;
3) het voeren van open, inclusieve en alomvattende onderhandelingen over vrede en ontwapening in de vorm van een openbare dialoog tussen alle staten en niet-statelijke partijen bij het conflict, met deelname van actoren uit het maatschappelijk middenveld die voorstander zijn van de vrede;
4) de neutraliteit van ons land vastleggen in de grondwet van Oekraïne;
5) het waarborgen van het mensenrecht op gewetensbezwaren tegen militaire dienst (inclusief weigering om opgeleid te worden voor militaire dienst), in overeenstemming met artikel 18 van het Internationaal Verdrag inzake burgerrechten en politieke rechten en paragrafen 2, 11 van het Algemeen Commentaar № 22 van het VN-Mensenrechtencomité.
Oorlog is een misdaad tegen de menselijkheid. Daarom zijn we vastbesloten om geen enkele vorm van oorlog te steunen en te streven naar het wegnemen van alle oorzaken van oorlog.

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italiano
Dichiarazione del Movimento Pacifista Ucraino

Le persone del nostro Paese e dell'intero pianeta sono in pericolo mortale a causa dello scontro nucleare tra le civiltà dell'Est e dell'Ovest. Dobbiamo fermare l'accumulo di truppe, l'accumulo di armi e equipaggiamento militare in Ucraina e dintorni, il folle lancio di denaro dei contribuenti nella fornace della macchina da guerra invece di risolvere gravi problemi socioeconomici e ambientali. Dobbiamo smettere di assecondare i capricci crudeli dei comandanti militari e degli oligarchi che traggono profitto dallo spargimento di sangue.
Il Movimento pacifista ucraino condanna la preparazione dell'Ucraina e degli Stati membri della NATO alla guerra con la Russia.
Chiediamo la riduzione e il disarmo globali, lo scioglimento delle alleanze militari, l'eliminazione degli eserciti e dei confini che dividono le persone.
Chiediamo un'immediata soluzione pacifica del conflitto armato nell'Ucraina orientale, intorno a Donetsk e Luhansk, sulla base di:
1) l'assoluto rispetto del cessate il fuoco da parte di tutti i combattenti filo-ucraini e filo-russi e la stretta adesione al Pacchetto di misure per l'attuazione degli accordi di Minsk, approvato dalla Risoluzione 2202 (2015) del Consiglio di Sicurezza dell'ONU;
2) ritiro di tutte le truppe, cessazione di tutte le forniture di armi e attrezzature militari, cessazione della mobilitazione totale della popolazione per la guerra, cessazione della propaganda di guerra e dell'ostilità tra le civiltà nei media e nei social network;
3) condurre negoziati aperti, inclusivi e globali sulla pace e il disarmo nella forma di un dialogo pubblico tra tutte le parti statali e non statali in conflitto con la partecipazione di attori della società civile favorevoli alla pace;
4) sancire la neutralità del nostro Paese con la Costituzione dell'Ucraina;
5) garantire il diritto umano all'obiezione di coscienza al servizio militare (compreso il rifiuto di essere addestrato al servizio militare), ai sensi dell'articolo 18 del Patto internazionale sui diritti civili e politici e dei paragrafi 2, 11 del Commento generale № 22 del Comitato delle Nazioni Unite per i diritti umani.
La guerra è un crimine contro l'umanità. Pertanto, siamo determinati a non sostenere alcun tipo di guerra ea lottare per l'eliminazione di tutte le cause di guerra.

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Dansk
Erklæring fra den Ukrainske Pacifistbevægelse

Befolkningen i vores land og hele planeten er i livsfare på grund af den nukleare konfrontation mellem civilisationerne i øst og vest. Vi er nødt til at stoppe opbygningen af tropper, ophobningen af våben og militært udstyr i og omkring Ukraine, det vanvittige kaste af skatteydernes penge i ovnen på krigsmaskinen i stedet for at løse akutte socioøkonomiske og miljømæssige problemer. Vi er nødt til at holde op med at hengive os til de grusomme luner hos militære chefer og oligarker, der tjener på blodsudgydelser.
Den ukrainske pacifistbevægelse fordømmer Ukraines og NATOs medlemslandes forberedelse til krig med Rusland.
Vi kræver global de-eskalering og nedrustning, opløsning af militære alliancer, eliminering af hære og grænser, der splitter mennesker.
Vi kræver en øjeblikkelig fredelig løsning af den væbnede konflikt i det østlige Ukraine, omkring Donetsk og Luhansk, på grundlag af:
1) absolut overholdelse af en våbenhvile af alle pro-ukrainske og pro-russiske kombattanter og streng overholdelse af pakken af foranstaltninger til implementering af Minsk-aftalerne, godkendt af FN's Sikkerhedsråds resolution 2202 (2015);
2) tilbagetrækning af alle tropper, standsning af alle forsyninger af våben og militært udstyr, standsning af total mobilisering af befolkningen til krig, standsning af krigspropaganda og fjendtlighed mellem civilisationer i medierne og sociale netværk;
3) at føre åbne, inkluderende og omfattende forhandlinger om fred og nedrustning i form af en offentlig dialog mellem alle statslige og ikke-statslige parter i konflikten med deltagelse af fredsvenlige civilsamfundsaktører;
4) forankring af neutraliteten i vores land ved Ukraines forfatning;
5) at garantere menneskeretten til samvittighedsgrunde mod militærtjeneste (herunder nægtelse af at blive uddannet til militærtjeneste), i overensstemmelse med artikel 18 i den internationale konvention om borgerlige og politiske rettigheder og punkt 2, 11 i den generelle kommentar nr. 22 i FN's Menneskerettighedskomité.
Krig er en forbrydelse mod menneskeheden. Derfor er vi fast besluttet på ikke at støtte nogen form for krig og at stræbe efter at fjerne alle årsager til krig.

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Norsk
Uttalelse fra den Ukrainske Pasifistbevegelsen

Folket i landet vårt og hele planeten er i livsfare på grunn av den kjernefysiske konfrontasjonen mellom sivilisasjonene i øst og vest. Vi må stoppe oppbyggingen av tropper, akkumuleringen av våpen og militært utstyr i og rundt Ukraina, det vanvittige kastet av skattebetalernes penger inn i ovnen til krigsmaskinen i stedet for å løse akutte sosioøkonomiske og miljømessige problemer. Vi må slutte å hengi oss til de grusomme innfallene til militære befal og oligarker som tjener på blodsutgytelse.
Den ukrainske pasifistbevegelsen fordømmer forberedelsene til Ukraina og NATOs medlemsland for krig med Russland.
Vi krever global deeskalering og nedrustning, oppløsning av militære allianser, eliminering av hærer og grenser som deler mennesker.
Vi krever en umiddelbar fredelig løsning av den væpnede konflikten i Øst-Ukraina, rundt Donetsk og Luhansk, på grunnlag av:
1) absolutt overholdelse av en våpenhvile av alle pro-ukrainske og pro-russiske stridende og streng overholdelse av tiltakspakken for gjennomføring av Minsk-avtalene, godkjent av FNs sikkerhetsråds resolusjon 2202 (2015);
2) tilbaketrekning av alle tropper, opphør av alle forsyninger av våpen og militært utstyr, opphør av total mobilisering av befolkningen for krig, opphør av krigspropaganda og fiendtlighet mellom sivilisasjoner i media og sosiale nettverk;
3) gjennomføre åpne, inkluderende og omfattende forhandlinger om fred og nedrustning i form av en offentlig dialog mellom alle statlige og ikke-statlige parter i konflikten med deltakelse av fredsfremmende sivilsamfunnsaktører;
4) å forankre nøytraliteten til landet vårt ved Ukrainas grunnlov;
5) å garantere menneskeretten til samvittighetsgrunnlag mot militærtjeneste (inkludert nektelse av å bli opplært til militærtjeneste), i samsvar med artikkel 18 i Den internasjonale konvensjon om sivile og politiske rettigheter og paragrafene 2, 11 i den generelle kommentaren № 22 i FNs menneskerettighetskomité.
Krig er en forbrytelse mot menneskeheten. Derfor er vi fast bestemt på å ikke støtte noen form for krig og å strebe for å fjerne alle årsaker til krig.

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Svenska

Uttalande från den Ukrainska Pacifiströrelsen

Människorna i vårt land och hela planeten är i livsfara på grund av kärnvapenkonfrontationen mellan civilisationerna i öst och väst. Vi måste stoppa uppbyggnaden av trupper, ansamlingen av vapen och militär utrustning i och runt Ukraina, det vansinniga slängandet av skattebetalarnas pengar i krigsmaskinens ugn istället för att lösa akuta socioekonomiska och miljömässiga problem. Vi måste sluta hänge oss åt de grymma nyckerna från militära befälhavare och oligarker som tjänar på blodsutgjutelse.
Den ukrainska pacifiströrelsen fördömer Ukrainas och Natos medlemsländers förberedelser för krig med Ryssland.
Vi kräver global nedtrappning och nedrustning, upplösning av militära allianser, eliminering av arméer och gränser som splittrar människor.
Vi kräver en omedelbar fredlig lösning av den väpnade konflikten i östra Ukraina, runt Donetsk och Luhansk, på grundval av:
1) absolut efterlevnad av en vapenvila av alla pro-ukrainska och pro-ryska kombattanter och strikt efterlevnad av åtgärdspaketet för genomförandet av Minsk-avtalen, godkänt av FN:s säkerhetsråds resolution 2202 (2015);
2) tillbakadragande av alla trupper, upphörande av alla leveranser av vapen och militär utrustning, upphörande av total mobilisering av befolkningen för krig, upphörande av krigspropaganda och fientlighet mellan civilisationer i media och sociala nätverk;
3) genomföra öppna, inkluderande och heltäckande förhandlingar om fred och nedrustning i form av en offentlig dialog mellan alla statliga och icke-statliga parter i konflikten med deltagande av fredsvänliga aktörer från det civila samhället;
4) förankring av vårt lands neutralitet genom Ukrainas konstitution;
5) garantera den mänskliga rätten till samvetsvägran mot militärtjänstgöring (inklusive vägran att utbildas för militärtjänstgöring), i enlighet med artikel 18 i den internationella konventionen om medborgerliga och politiska rättigheter och punkterna 2, 11 i den allmänna kommentaren № 22 i FN:s kommitté för mänskliga rättigheter.
Krig är ett brott mot mänskligheten. Därför är vi fast beslutna att inte stödja någon form av krig och att sträva efter att avlägsna alla orsaker till krig.

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Türkçe

Ukrayna Pasifist Hareketi Açıklaması

Doğu ve Batı medeniyetleri arasındaki nükleer çatışma nedeniyle ülkemizin insanları ve tüm gezegen ölümcül tehlike altındadır. Akut sosyo-ekonomik ve çevresel sorunları çözmek yerine, birliklerin birikmesini, Ukrayna ve çevresinde silah ve askeri teçhizat birikimini, vergi mükelleflerinin paralarının savaş makinesinin fırınına çılgınca atılmasını durdurmamız gerekiyor. Kan dökülmesinden çıkar sağlayan askeri komutanların ve oligarkların acımasız kaprislerine kapılmayı bırakmalıyız.
Ukrayna Pasifist Hareketi, Ukrayna ve NATO üye ülkelerinin Rusya ile savaşa hazırlanmasını kınıyor.
Küresel gerilimi azaltmayı ve silahsızlanmayı, askeri ittifakların dağılmasını, insanları bölen orduların ve sınırların ortadan kaldırılmasını talep ediyoruz.
Ukrayna'nın doğusunda, Donetsk ve Luhansk civarındaki silahlı çatışmanın aşağıdakiler temelinde derhal barışçıl bir şekilde çözülmesini talep ediyoruz:
1) Ukrayna ve Rusya yanlısı tüm savaşçıların ateşkese mutlak olarak uyması ve BM Güvenlik Konseyi'nin 2202 (2015) sayılı Kararı ile onaylanan Minsk Anlaşmalarının Uygulanmasına Yönelik Önlemler Paketine sıkı sıkıya bağlı kalma;
2) medya ve sosyal ağlarda tüm birliklerin geri çekilmesi, tüm silah ve askeri teçhizat tedarikinin durdurulması, nüfusun savaş için toplam seferberliğinin durdurulması, savaş propagandasının ve medeniyetler arası düşmanlığın sona ermesi;
3) barış yanlısı sivil toplum aktörlerinin katılımıyla, çatışmanın tarafları olan ve olmayan tüm devletler arasında bir kamu diyalogu formatında barış ve silahsızlanma konusunda açık, kapsayıcı ve kapsamlı müzakerelerin yürütülmesi;
4) Ukrayna Anayasası ile ülkemizin tarafsızlığını güvence altına almak;
5) Uluslararası Medeni ve Siyasi Haklar Sözleşmesi'nin 18. Maddesi ve Sözleşme'nin 22 No'lu Genel Yorumunun 2. ve 11. paragrafları uyarınca, askerlik hizmetine karşı vicdani ret hakkının (askerlik hizmeti için eğitim almayı reddetme dahil) garanti altına alınması. BM İnsan Hakları Komitesi.
Savaş insanlık suçudur. Bu nedenle, hiçbir savaşı desteklememeye ve savaşın tüm nedenlerinin ortadan kaldırılması için çaba göstermeye kararlıyız.

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Suomalainen

Ukrainan pasifistisen liikkeen lausunto

Maamme ja koko planeettamme ihmiset ovat hengenvaarassa idän ja lännen sivilisaatioiden välisen ydinvastakkainasettelun vuoksi. Meidän on lopetettava joukkojen kerääminen, aseiden ja sotatarvikkeiden kerääminen Ukrainaan ja sen ympäristöön, veronmaksajien rahojen mieletön heittäminen sotakoneen uuniin sen sijaan, että ratkaisisit akuutteja sosioekonomisia ja ympäristöongelmia. Meidän on lopetettava verenvuodatuksesta hyötyvien armeijan komentajien ja oligarkkien julmien oikkujen tyydyttäminen.
Ukrainan pasifistinen liike tuomitsee Ukrainan ja Naton jäsenmaiden valmistautumisen sotaan Venäjän kanssa.
Vaadimme maailmanlaajuista deeskalaatiota ja aseistariisuntaa, sotilasliittojen purkamista, armeijoiden ja rajojen poistamista, jotka jakavat ihmisiä.
Vaadimme välitöntä rauhanomaista ratkaisua aseelliseen konfliktiin Itä-Ukrainassa, Donetskin ja Luhanskin ympäristössä seuraavilla perusteilla:
1) kaikkien Ukraina- ja Venäjä-mielisten taistelijoiden ehdoton tulitauon noudattaminen ja YK:n turvallisuusneuvoston päätöslauselmalla 2202 (2015) hyväksytyn Minskin sopimusten täytäntöönpanoa koskevan toimenpidepaketin tiukka noudattaminen;
2) kaikkien joukkojen vetäytyminen, kaikkien aseiden ja sotatarvikkeiden toimittamisen lopettaminen, väestön täydellisen sotaan mobilisoinnin lopettaminen, sodan propagandan ja sivilisaatioiden välisen vihamielisyyden lopettaminen tiedotusvälineissä ja sosiaalisissa verkostoissa;
3) avointen, osallistavien ja kattavien rauhaa ja aseistariisuntaa koskevien neuvottelujen käyminen julkisen vuoropuhelun muodossa kaikkien konfliktin valtiollisten ja ei-valtiollisten osapuolten välillä, johon osallistuvat rauhaa edistävät kansalaisyhteiskunnan toimijat;
4) maamme puolueettomuuden vahvistaminen Ukrainan perustuslaissa;
5) ihmisoikeuden takaaminen aseistakieltäytymiseen asepalveluksesta (mukaan lukien asepalveluskoulutuksesta kieltäytyminen) kansalaisoikeuksia ja poliittisia oikeuksia koskevan kansainvälisen yleissopimuksen 18 artiklan ja yleisen huomautuksen nro 22 2, 11 kappaleiden mukaisesti. YK:n ihmisoikeuskomitea.
Sota on rikos ihmisyyttä vastaan. Siksi olemme päättäneet olla tukematta minkäänlaista sotaa ja pyrkiä poistamaan kaikki sodan syyt.

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Magyar
Az Ukrán Pacifista Mozgalom nyilatkozata

Hazánk és az egész bolygó lakossága életveszélyben van a keleti és nyugati civilizációk nukleáris összecsapása miatt. Meg kell állítanunk a csapatok felhalmozását, a fegyverek és katonai felszerelések felhalmozását Ukrajnában és környékén, az adófizetők pénzének őrült bedobását a hadigépezet kemencéjébe a heveny társadalmi-gazdasági és környezeti problémák megoldása helyett. Abba kell hagynunk a vérontásból profitáló katonai parancsnokok és oligarchák kegyetlen szeszélyeit.
Az Ukrán Pacifista Mozgalom elítéli Ukrajna és a NATO-tagállamok felkészülését az Oroszországgal vívott háborúra.
Követeljük a globális deeszkalációt és leszerelést, a katonai szövetségek feloszlatását, az embereket megosztó hadseregek és határok felszámolását.
Követeljük a kelet-ukrajnai, Donyeck és Luhanszk környéki fegyveres konfliktus azonnali békés rendezését, az alábbiak alapján:
1) a tűzszünet teljes betartása minden ukrán és oroszbarát harcos részéről, valamint az ENSZ Biztonsági Tanácsának 2202 (2015) sz. határozata által jóváhagyott minszki megállapodások végrehajtását célzó intézkedéscsomag szigorú betartása;
2) minden csapat kivonása, minden fegyver- és katonai felszerelés beszüntetése, a lakosság teljes háborús mozgósításának beszüntetése, a háború propagandája és a civilizációk közötti ellenségeskedés megszüntetése a médiában és a közösségi hálózatokon;
3) nyílt, átfogó és átfogó tárgyalások lefolytatása a békéről és a leszerelésről nyilvános párbeszéd formájában a konfliktusban részt vevő valamennyi állami és nem állami fél között a békepárti civil társadalom szereplőinek részvételével;
4) országunk semlegességének rögzítése Ukrajna alkotmányában;
5) a katonai szolgálat lelkiismereti okokból való megtagadásához való emberi jog garantálása (beleértve a katonai szolgálatra való kiképzés megtagadását is) a Polgári és Politikai Jogok Nemzetközi Egyezségokmánya 18. cikkével és a 22. számú Általános megjegyzés 2. és 11. bekezdésével összhangban. ENSZ Emberi Jogi Bizottsága.
A háború emberiség elleni bűncselekmény. Ezért elhatároztuk, hogy semmiféle háborút nem támogatunk, és a háború minden okának megszüntetésére törekszünk.

Joint press release on the UN Human Rights Committee's finding in the case of a Greek conscientious objector

IFOR, together with WRI-War Resisters' International, EBCO-European Bureau for Conscientious Objection and Connection e.V., releases today, January 18th, a joint press statement on the historical decision of the UN Human Rights Committee in the case of Lazaros Petromelidis.

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"UN Human Rights Committee finds multiple violations in a landmark case of Greek conscientious objector to military service”

On December 6th, the UN Human Rights Committee announced their decision on the case of conscientious objector Lazaros Petromelidis from Greece. The Committee found violations of the articles 9(1), 12(2), 14(7), and 18(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and asked Greece to take necessary measures addressing these violations.
As the organisations signing this statement, we welcome this decision of the Human Rights Committee.
The decision of the UN Human Rights Committee1 in a longstanding case of a Greek conscientious objector advances relevant jurisprudence and could be significant for conscientious objectors in other
countries too.

Lazaros Petromelidis had refused on ideological grounds to enlist for military service in 1992, when there was no provision for alternative civilian service in Greece. [...]

Overall, from 1992 until 2014, Lazaros Petromelidis has been convicted 5 times for insubordination, found himself in custody at least 4 times, and paid 2 financial penalties instead of imprisonment.
While it is not the first time that the Committee has examined a case involving a punitive and discriminatory alternative service,2 this is the first case where the conscientious objector has not
reported for such service at all. Furthermore, contrary to older cases, this time it was examined under, and was found to be a violation of, article 18(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), about freedom of thought, conscience and religion [...]

Worth noting also that the Committee found for the first time a violation of article 12(2) in a case of a conscientious objector who was prohibited from leaving his country, not only because of “the excessive duration of the impugned interference but also the fact that it has been imposed on the author for having legitimately exercised his right to freedom of conscience”. [...]

The Committee also consolidated its jurisprudence as of the violation of art. 9(1) about arbitrary detention as punishment for legitimate exercise of freedom of religion and conscience.

This also means that Petromelidis should have not been detained in the first place. [...]

According to the Committee’s decision, Greece is obliged to make full reparation to Petromelidis, and therefore, inter alia, to expunge the author’s criminal record, to reimburse all sums paid as fines (i.e., financial penalties instead of imprisonment) and to provide adequate compensation. [...]

The undersigned organisations expect from Greece to immediately implement the UN Human Rights Committee’s decision, both as for Petromelidis’ full reparation as well as for bringing the relevant
legislation in line with international human rights law and standards. [...] "
Read the complete press release here.

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You can have a look at the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) here.

To learn more about the current situation of conscientious objection to military service in Greece you are welcome to have a look at the latest report submitted by IFOR to the UN Human Rights Committee. Click here to read it.

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION TO MILITARY SERVICE #CODay2021

#CODay2021

VOICES FROM THE FELLOWSHIP

Conscientious objection to military service is part of IFOR history, and it has been at the core of its original engagement since 1914. It's one of our roots. Many members were and are objectors. Several local efforts contributed to the recognition of the right in many countries. There is still work to do about it and IFOR is fully engaged in this field, and it is also running a thematic project supported by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust. 

On the occasion of the 
International Conscientious Objection Day - May 15th, 
we are sharing the voices of the members of IFOR around the world, on conscientious objection.

It is about a valuable heritage and a particular perspective on the present situation. As we talk about conscientious objection to military service we also refer to initiatives which deal with the refusal to support militarism. Unfortunately, we are currently witnessing an increase in the militarization of society and thus of the Culture of violence. We work for a positive change and the implementation of a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence.

We are pleased to share personal contributions from the fellowship, on conscientious objection!

You will read testimonies about past initiatives, current campaigns, individual struggles, personal understanding,  research of nonviolent alternatives, rejection of violence, compassion, faith, political engagement...

We stand in solidarity with all conscientious objectors in the world, who are currently facing threatens and discriminations for their refusal.
We dedicate these testimonies to them and to all those who struggled throughout the past decades.

Last year on CODay2020 we made a dedicated publication which you can find here.

• If you would like to learn more about the current work of IFOR on conscientious objection and on the ongoing thematic project funded by JRCT, you are welcome to contact the project Coordinator here: zaira.zafarana@ifor.org

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L'OBJECTION DE CONSCIENCE AU SERVICE MILITAIRE
#CODay2021

VOIX DU MOUVEMENT

L'objection de conscience au service militaire fait partie de l'histoire d'IFOR et elle est au cœur de son engagement originel depuis 1914. C'est l'une de nos racines. De nombreux membres ont été et sont des objecteurs. Plusieurs efforts locaux ont contribué à la reconnaissance de ce droit dans de nombreux pays. Il y a encore du travail à faire à ce sujet et l'IFOR est pleinement engagé dans ce domaine et il mène également un projet thématique soutenu par le Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

A l'occasion de la Journée Internationale de l'Objection de Conscience - 15 mai,
nous partageons les voix des membres d'IFOR à travers le monde, sur l'objection de conscience.

Il s'agit d'un héritage précieux et d'une perspective particulière sur la situation actuelle. Lorsque nous parlons d'objection de conscience au service militaire, nous faisons également référence aux initiatives qui traitent du refus de soutenir le militarisme. Malheureusement, nous assistons actuellement à une augmentation de la militarisation de la société et donc de la culture de la violence. Nous travaillons pour un changement positif et la mise en place d'une Culture de la Paix et de la Non-violence.

Nous avons le plaisir de partager des contributions personnelles de la Fellowship, sur l'objection de conscience! 

Vous lirez des témoignages sur les initiatives passées, les campagnes actuelles, les luttes individuelles, la compréhension personnelle, la recherche d'alternatives non-violentes, le rejet de la violence, la compassion, la foi, l'engagement politique...

Nous sommes solidaires de tous les objecteurs de conscience dans le monde, qui sont actuellement confrontés à des menaces et des discriminations pour leur refus.
Nous leur dédions ces témoignages et à tous ceux qui ont résisté au cours des dernières décennies.

 L'année dernière, à l'occasion du CODay2020, nous avons réalisé une publication dédiée que vous pouvez trouver ici.

• Si vous souhaitez en savoir plus sur le travail actuel d'IFOR sur l'objection de conscience et sur le projet en cours financé par le JRCT, vous pouvez contacter le coordinateur du projet ici: zaira.zafarana@ifor.org

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OBJECIÓN DE CONCIENCIA AL SERVICIO MILITAR

 #CODay2021

VOCES DEL MOVIMIENTO

La objeción de conciencia al servicio militar forma parte de la historia de IFOR y ha estado en el centro de su compromiso original desde 1914. Es una de nuestras raíces. Muchos miembros fueron y son objetores. Varios esfuerzos locales contribuyeron al reconocimiento del derecho en muchos países. Todavía queda trabajo por hacer al respecto y la IFOR está plenamente comprometida en este campo y también está llevando a cabo un proyecto temático apoyado por el Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust.

Con motivo del Día Internacional de la Objeción de Conciencia - 15 de mayo, compartimos las voces de los miembros de IFOR de todo el mundo, sobre la objeción de conciencia.

Se trata de un valioso patrimonio y de una perspectiva particular sobre la situación actual. Al hablar de la objeción de conciencia al servicio militar nos referimos también a las iniciativas que tratan del rechazo al apoyo al militarismo. De manera lamentable, actualmente asistimos a un aumento de la militarización de la sociedad y, por tanto, de la cultura de la violencia. Trabajamos por un cambio positivo y la implantación de una Cultura de Paz y No-Violencia.

Nos complace compartir ¡Contribuciones personales de la hermandad, sobre la objeción de conciencia! 

Leerás testimonios sobre iniciativas pasadas, campañas actuales, luchas individuales, comprensión personal, búsqueda de alternativas no violentas, rechazo a la violencia, compasión, fe, compromiso político...

Nos solidarizamos con todos los objetores de conciencia del mundo que actualmente se enfrentan a amenazas y discriminaciones por su objeción.
A ellos les dedicamos estos testimonios y a todos los que han resistido durante las últimas décadas.

 El año pasado, en el Día de la Objeción de Conciencia2020, hicimos una publicación dedicada que puedes encontrar aquí. 

• Si desea saber más sobre el trabajo actual del IFOR en materia de objeción de conciencia y sobre el proyecto en curso financiado por la JRCT, puede ponerse en contacto con el coordinador del proyecto aquí: zaira.zafarana@ifor.org

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J’étais, je suis, et je resterais Objecteur de Conscience !

Pierre Marchand - France

Read the English version here.

Ce jour-là, mon frère - qui était pourtant très « anticatholique » - m’a offert un livre d’un… prêtre : l’Abbé Jean TOULAT, journaliste et écrivain. Le titre était « Les grévistes de la guerre ». Je l’ai lu avec beaucoup d’attention, religieusement. Ce livre était consacré à l’objection de conscience et l’auteur en faisait ouvertement la promotion au nom de l’évangile. Aux trois quarts du livre, ma décision était prise… Cliquez ici pour en lire plus.

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My conscientious objection to army service in 1973 in Switzerland

Ueli Wildberger - Switzerland

Born just after WWII in July 1945, the atrocities of the Nazi-Regime in Germany and World War II were still omnipresent in my early years, growing up in a modest family of schoolteacher in a remote village only 10 km from the German border near Schaffhausen! 

Since then the horrors of war and holocaust were very vivid in my memory. At the same time I grew up sharing the overwhelming conviction of Swiss people, that our strong militia defense and army had saved our nation from being invaded and destroyed in WWII. So despite my repugnance to take arms and to serve in the army I absolved my recruitment service of 4 months and 5 subsequent yearly repetition courses of 2 weeks due to the strong pressure of my family and friends… Click here to read more.

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Conscientious Objection Changed My Life

J. Kenneth Kreider – U.S.A.

Growing up in a Church of the Brethren family, it was natural for me to be in accord with the teachings of the “historic peace churches” (Society of Friends, Mennonites, and Church of the Brethren), regarding participation in military activity.  At the age of 18 I followed United States law by registering with Selective Service—as a conscientious objector. Click here to read more.

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I still believe in conscientious objection and nonviolent action, heart and soul

Chris Harmer - U.S.A.

My name is Chris.  I was born in 1950. I grew up a white, middle-class male in a suburban, traditional family in the upper South of the United States.
I am aware that my life was and remains an easy life of privilege, for which I am incredibly grateful.  What was given from the circumstances of my birth is what all people deserve.  
My life’s direction was forever changed in the 1960s by the intersection of the Christian ecumenical movement in the US and by our country’s deepening involvement in the Vietnam War… Click here to read more.

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J'ai refusé

 

Michel Monod – Suisse

J'ai accompli le service d'instruction militaire de 4 mois en 1960 puis j'ai refusé les ordres de marche suivants. Cela m'a valu un procès au tribunal militaire et une condamnation de 4 mois de prison à Saint Antoine à Genève. Puis j'ai refusé à nouveau 2 fois les ordres de marche et j'ai été condamné à 2 mois puis un mois et enfin exclu de l'armée… Cliquez ici pour en lire plus.

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MY SMALL CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION

Piercarlo Racca - Italy

In 1968, when I was 22 years old, I decided to object to military service. I had participated in the Milan-Vicenza anti-militarist march and was convinced of the need to oppose the military institution. It was also the year in which the communist armies of the Warsaw Pact occupied Prague, putting an end to the "socialism with a human face". Click here to read more.

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Personal Experience with Conscientious Objection

Pete Hämmerle - Austria

When I decided to object to military service, this was in the context of the Cold War in the late 1970s, in a neutral country (Austria) with mandatory conscription for all young men. Alternative service (Zivildienst) had only become a possibility a few years before (1974), and the image of COs in society in general was that of “cowards”, no “real men”, trying to escape their “duty towards society and the state”… Click here to read more.

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From Conscientious Objection to Resistance to Peace: USA to Mozambique and Beyond

Matt Meyer – U.S.A.

Growing up in the 1960’s, with images of the US war in Vietnam and Southeast Asia playing out on the television screen as full color background to my earliest memories, I often note that my parents were “natural born pacifists.” Neither of them belonged to any peace groups or attended demonstrations, but the idea that “war was wrong” permeated our household. In 1979, when US President Jimmy Carter suggested bringing back registration for the draft as a show of strength in the face of Soviet incursions to Afghanistan, my own high school senior mentality drove these anti-war instincts into high gear… Click here to read more.

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A slice of sky behind bars

Claudio Pozzi - Italy

From April 21st 1972 to September 30th 1972 I was detained in the military prison of Gaeta for refusing to carry out military service as a Catholic. I was released from prison on October 1st and on December 15th it was approved the law which finally recognized the right to object in Italy, as well. I also wrote a book about this titled Uno spicchio di cielo dietro le sbarre, Diario dal carcere di un obiettore di coscienza al servizio militare negli anni ’70… Click here to read more.

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Dangerous fools: my story about being a conscientious objector

Larry Coleman - U.S.A.
On a spring day, I sat with my classmates at a table in the training room with the ROTC test on the table in front of me. The instructor for the final test admonished us to do well, so we could enlist as an Army Officer. The pitch to become an officer was made enticing, a slam dunk. The perks were emphasized, but there was little or no mention of the dangers. Certainly, there was no sober, deep thinking about the damage wars perpetrate… Click here to read more.

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Do Not Fear, But Trust!

Gyula I. Simonyi - Hungary

We were seven conscientious objectors convicted in court, from the community I established in our city, Székesfehérvár. Click here to read more.

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La branche belge de l’IFOR et l’objection de conscience 

Sam Biesemans - Belgique

En Belgique, la section belge de l’IFOR qui s’appelle aujourd’hui Agir pour la Paix (dans le passé « MIR-IRG ») a joué un rôle crucial pour influencer le débat politique qui mena à la loi de 1964 portant le statut d’objecteur de conscience au service militaire. Il a fallu 15 ans d’initiatives et de débats parlementaires pour y parvenir. Le sacrifice personnel et l’engagement constant de Jean Van Lierde, qui endura une longue peine de prison et fut ensuite contraint de travailler dans une mine de charbon, ont porté leurs fruits… Cliquez ici pour en lire plus.

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Thomas Merton and the Army that Sheds No Blood

Jim Forest – U.S.A.

Here it is a presentation on Thomas Merton, a FOR member and writer whose books were very widely read and who was himself a conscientious objector. 
Me too! I left the US Navy as a conscientious objector, after two years in uniform… Click here to read more.

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Military conscription also for girls in the Netherlands

Henk Blom - Netherlands

Since 2020, girls are also subject to compulsory military service in the Netherlands. All more than 100,000 girls born in 2003 have received a letter from the Ministry of Defense informing them that they are registered for military service. With a view to equal treatment of men and women, it was believed that women should also be registered for military service. Click here to read more.

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We thank all those who contributed!
Nous remercions tous ceux qui ont contribué ! ¡Agradecemos a todos los que contribuyeron!

Page being updated: if you would like to share as well your personal experience on conscientious objection you are welcome to do so, writing to office@ifor.org, or leave a message below here.

Page en cours de mise à jour: si vous souhaitez partager également votre expérience personnelle sur l'objection de conscience, vous pouvez le faire en écrivant à office@ifor.org ou en laissant un message ci-dessous ici.

Página en actualización: si desea compartir también su experiencia personal sobre la objeción de conciencia, puede hacerlo, escribiendo a office@ifor.org, o deje un mensaje a continuación aquí.