Viewing entries tagged
ukraine

IFOR calls on the UN to stop the war in Ukraine and restates that the right to conscientious objection cannot be restricted nor suspended.

Comment

IFOR calls on the UN to stop the war in Ukraine and restates that the right to conscientious objection cannot be restricted nor suspended.

Members of the Commission of Inquiry. President E. Mose, Ms. P. De Greiff and Madam j. Dzumhur.

On the occasion of the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council, as previously decided by the Members States (A/HRC/RES/49/1 and A/HRC/RES/S-34/1) the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the situation of human rights in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression presented its oral update in the plenary.

After the presentation and the following statements by Member States and National Human Rights Institutions, NGOs had the opportunity to take the floor.

IFOR, thus, delivered an oral statement calling on the UN Member States to act to stop the war and save lives and addressed the issue of the violation of the right to conscientious objection to military service, restating its support to all those who refuse to kill.

IFOR recalled as well international standards on the non-derogability of the right to conscientious objection and expressed its concern for the current suspension of this right in Ukraine and its violation in the occupied territories.

Human Rights Council, 51st Session 

23rd September 2022 

Item 4: Interactive dialogue with the International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine Oral statement delivered by the International Fellowship of Reconciliation. 

Mr. President,  

War should be abolished because it is never a conflict resolution, neither in Ukraine nor in other countries. On the contrary, it brings devastating and dramatic consequences on the people and on the land. 

Excellencies, colleagues, we are here today addressing violations directly connected to the ongoing war. 

The victims are waiting for action. [As we head yesterday during the ID with the SR on Myanmar, concerning another violent conflict, actions speak louder than words.] 

In resolution (A/HRC/S-34/L.1) the Human Rights Council reiterated its demand for an immediate end of military hostilities against Ukraine, and for all parties to the conflict to respect the fundamental principles and rules of international humanitarian law 

We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and mourn with them. We also stand in solidarity with those opposing to war and refusing to kill. 

We have been notified that the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense replied to the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement that "Due to martial law, since 24.02.2022 the temporary military service in Ukraine is no longer implemented. Therefore, the implementation of alternative service is not applicable."

The UN Human Rights Committee has clearly stated that the right to conscientious objection cannot be restricted for reasons of national security.

IFOR is also concerned by the forced mobilization of conscripts in Ukrainian territory controlled by Russian  affiliated armed groups. 

Freedom of thought, conscience and religion is a non-derogable right and, as is freedom of expression, it continues to apply in situations of armed conflict. The right to conscientious objection to military service should be absolutely protected and cannot be restricted, as highlighted by the quadrennial analytical thematic report by OHCHR presented at the 50th session. 

Thank you. 

Click here to watch IFOR main representative to deliver the statement at the UN Human Rights Council.

Click here to read the full statement.

Share this post on social media!

Insights concerning the UN Human Rights Council on the ongoing war in Ukraine


- Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council on 4 March 2022.

During the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Council "Decides to urgently establish an independent international commission of inquiry, comprising three human rights experts, to be appointed by the President of the Human Rights Council for an initial duration of one year, complementing, consolidating and building upon the work of the human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine, in close coordination with the human rights monitoring mission in Ukraine and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, with the following mandate: (a) To investigate all alleged violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law, and related crimes in the context of the aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation, and to establish the facts, circumstances and root causes of any such violations and abuses; (b) To collect, consolidate and analyse evidence of such violations and abuses, including their gender dimension, and to systematically record and preserve all information, documentation and evidence, including interviews, witness testimony and forensic material, consistent with international law standards, in view of any future legal proceedings; (c) To document and verify relevant information and evidence, including through field engagement, and to cooperate with judicial and other entities, as appropriate; A/HRC/RES/49/1 4 (d) To identify, where possible, those individuals and entities responsible for violations or abuses of human rights or violations of international humanitarian law, or other related crimes, in Ukraine, with a view to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable; (e) To make recommendations, in particular on accountability measures, all with a view to ending impunity and ensuring accountability, including, as appropriate, individual criminal responsibility, and access to justice for victims; (f) To provide the Human Rights Council, at its fifty-first session, with an oral update, to be followed by an interactive dialogue, and a comprehensive written report at its fifty-second session, to be followed by an interactive dialogue, and to submit a report to the General Assembly at its seventy-seventh session"

Learn more about Resolution A/HRC/RES/49/1 here.


- Resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council on 12 May 2022

During the Special UN Human Rights Council session held in May 2022 the Council adopted a resolution which says that the UN HRC " Reiterates its demand for the immediate cessation of military hostilities against Ukraine and for all parties to the conflict to respect the fundamental principles and rules of international humanitarian law, including to refrain from any attacks against civilians and civilian objects, and to refrain from any human rights violations and abuses in Ukraine; 2. Stresses the need to refrain from any State-sponsored disinformation, propaganda for war or advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence, relating to the aggression against Ukraine; 3. Urges the Russian Federation to provide representatives and staff of international human rights and humanitarian institutions, including United Nations specialized agencies, with unhindered, timely, immediate, unrestricted and safe access to A/HRC/RES/S-34/1 3 persons who have been transferred from conflict-affected areas of Ukraine and are held on the territory of the Russian Federation or areas controlled or occupied by the Russian Federation, and to share with relevant parties a comprehensive list of such transferred persons and their whereabouts; 4. Requests the independent international commission of inquiry on Ukraine to conduct an inquiry, consistent with its mandate and international standards, and in coordination with other national and international mechanisms, to address the events in the areas of the Kyiv, Chernihiv, Kharkiv and Sumy regions in late February and in March 2022, including their gender dimension, with a view to holding those responsible to account, and also requests the commission to brief the Human Rights Council on the progress of that inquiry as part of the oral update to the Council at its fifty-first session, and to include its findings after the completion of the inquiry in its report to the Council at its fifty-second session; 5. Requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to present an oral update on the grave human rights and humanitarian situation in Mariupol, including an assessment of the nature and causes of violations or abuses of human rights and of violations of international humanitarian law committed there, to the Human Rights Council at its fiftieth session under item 2, to be followed by an interactive dialogue; 6. Encourages relevant thematic special procedure mandate holders, within their respective mandates, to continue to pay particular attention to the situation of human rights in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression, and urges all relevant parties to cooperate with those mandate holders; 7. Decides to remain seized of the matter."

Learn more about Resolution A/HRC/RES/S-34/1 here.

Comment

Multilateralism and peace negotiations

Comment

Multilateralism and peace negotiations

We expect a genuine commitment to multilateralism and respect for fundamental international norms to be practised in a tangible way to achieve effective peace.
Weapons lead to war and increase it. Armed peace is not #peace.
International community should support peace negotiations and stop the war and let the UN to preside over the peace process.
!*! Urgent steps towards peace
In efforts to end the war in Ukraine, Secretary-General António Guterres has written separate letters to the leaders of #Russia and #Ukraine to request meetings with them in their respective capitals
Read more here https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/04/1116562
On Tuesday, 26 April, the UN Secretary-General will have a working meeting and lunch with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and will be received by President Putin in Moscow.
Mr. Guterres will also travel to Ukraine and he will have a working meeting with Foreign Minister Minister Dmytro Kuleba and will be received by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 28 April.
Read more here https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/04/1116742

Comment

IFOR joins "Appeal for Peace in Ukraine" at the UN

Comment

IFOR joins "Appeal for Peace in Ukraine" at the UN

On February 28th the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council started its working session and on March 3rd and 4th an Urgent debate on the situation of human rights in Ukraine, stemming from the Russian aggression.

You can watch here the plenary meeting of the mentioned urgent debate with the interventions of member states and NGOs.

On March 8th, during the General Debate with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Madam Bachelet, IFOR joined 20 other NGOs in an "Appeal for Peace in Ukraine", delivered by the Associazione Papa Giovanni XXIII.

49th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council, 28 February – 1 April 2022 Item 2: General Debate with the High Commissioner on Human Rights  Joint Oral statement delivered by: Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII (APG23) Co-signing NGOs1:  

Associazione Comunita Papa Giovanni XXIII (APG23); Association Points-Cœur; AVSI  Foundation; Baptist World Alliance (BWA); Center for Global Nonkilling; Confédération  Internationale Société de Saint Vincent de Paul; Conscience and Peace Tax International  (CPTI); Dominicans for Justice and Peace (Order of Preachers); Dominican Leadership  Conference; Edmund Rice International; Foundation for the Social Promotion of Culture;  ICMICA-MIIC Pax Romana; International Catholic Child Bureau (BICE); International  fellowship of Reconciliation – IFOR; International Organization for the Right to Education  and freedom of Education (OIDEL); International Volunteerism Organization for Women  Education and Development (VIDES International); Istituto Internazionale Maria Ausiliatrice  (IIMA); MIAMSI; Mouvement contre le Racism et pour l’Amitiéentre les Peuples (MRAP);  New Humanity. 

“Appeal for Peace in Ukraine” 

Madam High Commissioner,  

I speak on behalf of 20 NGOs to express our extreme dismay at the military action that is currently  unfolding in Ukraine. We would like to echo your appeal2 of February 24 that urges an immediate halt to  hostilities that puts countless civilian lives at risk.  

We bring into this room the voice of the defenceless victims of conflicts, whose human rights are being  violated. 

We would like to recall the 2016 Declaration on the Right to Peace3 that affirms “Everyone has the right  to enjoy peace such that all human rights are promoted and protected and development is fully realized.” 

We believe that a process of disarmament is needed in order to guarantee peace. All countries involved in  the security architecture of Europe must commit to the reduction of strategic and non-strategic nuclear  weapons stored in the continent. Moreover, the Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons should be  signed and implemented by all States.  

We appeal to the UN, the international community, all parties to strive for an end to the fighting in Ukraine  by enforcing international law and finding a solution to the conflict based on the principle of peaceful  settlement of disputes. 

“War is a “scourge”… It is an adventure without return that compromises humanity's present and threatens  its future… War is always a defeat for humanity”4 

No one has the right to make a war, yet we all have the duty to build peace. 

Thank You! 

1 NGOs not accredited to ECOSOC supporting this statement: 1. Japan Committee for the Right to Peace 2 https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=28153&LangID=E 

3 A/RES/71/189 

4 Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, paragraph 497

Comment

NO TO WAR! IFOR voice for peace

Comment

Conscientious Objector Alert

NO TO WAR! IFOR voice for peace

-scroll down to read several statements from the fellowship worldwide-

NO TO WAR!

IFOR statement on the current situation in Ukraine

February, 28th 2022

You can download the entire statement here.

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation expresses its very strong concerns and deep sadness about the invasion and occupation being conducted by Russia in Ukraine.

These are dark days in history.

War is a crime against humanity and can never be justified. It only leads to human suffering and

tears, and rips apart the societal structures that enable people to live in dignity.

The use, or preparation for use, of nuclear weapons is unconscionable.

Therefore, IFOR:

▪ Stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and supports the efforts of Russians who are

protesting against this war.

▪ Urges an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of the Russian troops from Ukraine.

▪ Stands up for conscientious objection, the right to refuse to kill, to reject violence and to

repudiate bearing arms in both (and all) countries.

▪ Urges all governments and multilateral organisations to choose diplomatic and political means to address the situation.

▪ Encourages the Ukrainian government and people to choose persistent nonviolent resistance.

▪ Calls on European people and nations to welcome refugees from Ukraine.

▪ Encourages the Russian people to non-violently resist the war policy and actions of their

government.

▪ Calls on Russian religious leaders to disassociate themselves from the aggressive and bellicose

policy of the Russian government, to recover the peaceful intentions of those religions, and to

actively engage with peace initiatives and diplomacy.

▪ Invites people of faith, spirituality and conscience to direct their prayers and actions to stopping the war and sustaining peace in the region.

NON A LA GUERRE !

Déclaration de l'IFOR sur la situation actuelle en Ukraine

Le Mouvement international de la Réconciliation exprime ses très fortes préoccupations et sa

profonde tristesse face à l'invasion et l'occupation menées par la Russie en Ukraine.

Ce sont des jours sombres de l'histoire.

La guerre est un crime contre l'humanité et ne peut jamais être justifiée. Elle ne fait qu'engendrer des souffrances humaines et des larmes, et elle détruit les infrastructures qui permettent aux gens de vivre dans la dignité.

L'utilisation, ou la préparation à l'utilisation, d'armes nucléaires est inadmissible.

Par conséquent, le MIR:

▪ Est solidaire du peuple ukrainien et soutient les efforts des Russes qui protestent contre cette

guerre.

▪ Demande instamment un cessez-le-feu immédiat et le retrait des troupes russes d'Ukraine.

▪ Défend l'objection de conscience, le droit de refuser de tuer, de rejeter la violence et de refuser de porter des armes dans les deux pays (et dans tous les pays).

▪ Exhorte tous les gouvernements et les organisations multilatérales à choisir des moyens

diplomatiques et politiques pour faire face à la situation.

▪ Encourage le gouvernement et le peuple ukrainiens à opter pour une résistance non-violente dans la durée.

▪ Appelle les peuples et nations européens à accueillir les réfugiés d'Ukraine.

▪ Encourage le peuple russe à résister de manière non-violente à la politique et aux actions de guerre de son gouvernement.

▪ Appelle les chefs religieux russes à se dissocier de la politique agressive et belliqueuse du

gouvernement russe, à retrouver les intentions pacifiques de ces religions, et à s'engager

activement dans les initiatives de paix et la diplomatie.

▪ Invite les croyants à orienter leurs prières et leurs actions vers l'arrêt de la guerre et le maintien de la paix dans la région.

¡NO A LA GUERRA!

Declaración de IFOR sobre la situación actual en Ucrania

El Movimiento Internacional de Reconciliación expresa su gran preocupación y profunda tristeza por la invasión y ocupación que está llevando a cabo Rusia en Ucrania.

Estos son días oscuros en la historia.

La guerra es un crimen contra la humanidad y nunca puede justificarse. Sólo conduce al sufrimiento humano y al desgarro, y destroza las estructuras sociales que permiten a las personas vivir con dignidad.

El uso, o la preparación para el uso, de armas nucleares es inconcebible.

Por lo tanto, el MIR:

▪ Se solidariza con el pueblo de Ucrania y apoya los esfuerzos de los rusos que han protestado

contra esta guerra.

▪ Insta a un alto el fuego inmediato y a la retirada de las tropas rusas de Ucrania.

▪ Se posiciona a favor de la objeción de conciencia, el derecho a rechazar a matar, a rechazar la

violencia y a repudiar la portación de armas en ambos (y en todos los) países.

▪ Insta a todos los gobiernos y organizaciones multilaterales a que opten por medios diplomáticos y políticos para abordar la situación.

▪ Anima al gobierno y al pueblo ucraniano a optar por la resistencia no violenta persistente.

▪ Pide a los pueblos y naciones europeas que acojan a los refugiados de Ucrania.

▪ Anima al pueblo ruso a resistir de forma no violenta la política de guerra y las acciones de su

gobierno.

▪ Pide a los líderes religiosos rusos que se desvinculen de la política agresiva y belicosa del gobierno ruso, que recuperen las intenciones pacíficas de esas religiones y que se comprometan activamente con las iniciativas de paz y la diplomacia.

▪ Invita a las personas de fe, espiritualidad y conciencia a dirigir sus oraciones y acciones para

detener la guerra y mantener la paz en la región.

НЕТ ВОЙНЕ!

Заявление IFOR о текущей ситуации в Украине

Международное братство примирения выражает свою сильную озабоченность и глубокую печаль

по поводу вторжения и оккупации, осуществляемой Россией в Украине.

Это мрачные дни в истории.

Война является преступлением против человечества и никогда не может быть оправдана. Она

ведет только к человеческим страданиям и слезам и разрушает общественные структуры, которые

позволяют людям жить достойно.

Применение или подготовка к применению ядерного оружия недобросовестны.

Поэтому IFOR:

▪ Солидарна с народом Украины и поддерживает усилия россиян, протестующих против этой

войны.

▪ Призывает к немедленному прекращению огня и выводу российских войск из Украины.

▪ Выступает в защиту отказа от военной службы по соображениям совести и защищает право

не убивать, не отвергать насилие и не носить оружие в обеих (и во всех) странах.

▪ Призывает все правительства и многосторонние организации выбрать дипломатические и

политические средства для разрешения ситуации.

▪ Призывает украинское правительство и народ выбрать упорное ненасильственное

сопротивление.

▪ Призывает европейские народы и страны принять беженцев из Украины.

▪ Призывает российский народ к ненасильственному сопротивлению военной политике и

действиям своего правительства.

▪ Призывает российских религиозных лидеров отмежеваться от агрессивной и воинственной

политики российского правительства, восстановить мирные намерения этих религий и

активно участвовать в мирных инициативах и дипломатии.

▪ Призывает людей веры, духовности и совести направить свои молитвы и действия на

прекращение войны и поддержание мира в регионе.

В переводе с оригинала на английском языке.

НІ ВІЙНІ!

Заява IFOR щодо поточної ситуації в Україні

Міжнародне товариство примирення висловлює свою сильну стурбованість і глибокий сум з

приводу вторгнення та окупації, які Росія проводить в Україні.

Це темні дні в історії.

Війна є злочином проти людства і ніколи не може бути виправдана. Це призводить лише до

людських страждань і сліз і розриває соціальні структури, які дозволяють людям жити гідно.

Використання або підготовка до застосування ядерної зброї є нерозумним.

Тому IFOR:

▪ Солідарний з народом України та підтримує зусилля росіян, які протестували проти цієї

війни.

▪ Закликає до негайного припинення вогню та виведення російських військ з України.

▪ Відстоює відмову від совісті та захищає право відмовлятися вбивати, відмовлятися від

насильства та відмовлятися від носіння зброї в обох (і в усіх) країнах.

▪ Закликає всі уряди та багатосторонні організації обрати дипломатичні та політичні засоби

для вирішення ситуації.

▪ Заохочує український уряд і народ обирати наполегливий ненасильницький опір.

▪ Закликає європейських людей і народи вітати біженців з України.

▪ Заохочує російський народ до ненасильницького опору політиці війни та діям свого уряду.

▪ Закликає російських релігійних лідерів відмежуватися від агресивної та войовничої

політики російського уряду, відновити мирні наміри цих релігій та активно брати участь у

мирних ініціативах та дипломатії.

▪ Запрошує людей віри, духовності та совісті направити свої молитви та дії на припинення

війни та підтримання миру в регіоні.

Переклад з оригіналу англійською.

IFOR’S AFRICAN BGAs CALL FOR NON-VIOLENCE, PEACE AND RECONCILIATION

Brazzaville and Harare, March 20th 2022

 

We, African Branches, Groups and Affiliates (BGAs) of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR):

Are deeply concerned about the current war situation between Russia and Ukraine, and greatly saddened by so much unnecessary suffering and destruction of infrastructure and the environment necessary for the well-being of the people;

Reaffirm our commitment to participate in the promotion of justice and peace through active non-violence, to denounce and resist any recourse to war, armed conflict and other forms of violence as a means of resolving conflicts between individuals, groups, international, national or social conflicts;

Let us say that this denunciation and resistance also concern everything that tends to make possible, or to justify war, armed conflict and all other forms of violence ;

Therefore, we:

1- Condemn firmly the war between Russia and Ukraine, but also all the wars and armed conflicts in progress in the world and in particular in Africa, where some of them have been taking place in the eyes of the world for several years ;

2- Tribute to all the victims of this current war on European soil, as well as to the victims of wars and armed conflicts in other regions of the world;

3- Consider that the root causes of the war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as those of other wars or armed conflicts in the world, are multifaceted, complex and interdependent, that no conflict can be definitively resolved by violence, and that security and peace in Europe are necessary, but can only be sustainable within the global framework of security and peace among all the peoples and nations of our "common home" the Earth;

4- Recall that the life of each person is a unique and priceless gift of God, and call on all parties involved in armed confrontations around the world, and especially in the war between Russia and Ukraine:

-to observe immediate cease-fires in order to preserve human lives and the environment from the madness of destruction, and to promote the peaceful or non-violent resolution of conflicts through the process of negotiation and dialogue, the only credible way to silence the weapons definitively in the zones in conflict and to achieve the necessary and possible mutual reconciliation;

- to urgently create and respect humanitarian corridors in order to alleviate the suffering of populations trapped in combat zones, to allow people who want to leave combat zones or countries at war to do so, so that they can be received with humanity in other countries, and particularly in the current circumstances of the situation in Ukraine that the countries of Europe put in place policies and plans that provide adequate and equal protection to all such persons fleeing war, regardless of nationality, citizenship, affinity, race, religion, in accordance with international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and good practice;

- to respect and fully implement the right to conscientious objection, including the right to refuse to kill, to reject violence and to refuse to bear arms in both Russia and Ukraine, and in all countries, as guaranteed by international human rights treaties;

5- Exhort all leaders of states, multinational organizations and all citizens of the world:

-to refrain from any declaration, measure, training, supply of weapons, ammunition or fighters, as they are likely to "add fuel to the fire" by escalating and expanding the war between Russia and Ukraine over the entire world threatened by nuclear or biological weapons, as well as these activities in support of the war promote the regionalization and aggravation of other armed conflicts in many countries around the world;

- to work resolutely together for the implementation of disarmament and demilitarization policies on an international scale, so that the funds from military and arms spending are directed towards the improvement of living conditions and the integral development of a greater number of people and communities in the world

-to redefine the foundations of a new world order based on structures that are capable of preventing and resolving conflicts between states or groups more effectively and of putting an end to wars, and that promote more justice and peace in international relations and among peoples;

6- Local and international media, users of social networks and instant messaging services should be encouraged to freely and responsibly cover the various crises around the world, including the war between Russia and Ukraine, and to share information, photos, and videos, with the ethic of refraining from being instruments of propaganda contributing to violence, division, hatred, and vengeance, and instead be vehicles for the promotion of dialogue, the search for and the consolidation of peace, and reconciliation

7- Call upon all believers, women and men of good will, to their responsibilities, and invite them to direct their prayers and actions towards stopping the war between Russia and Ukraine, and in other conflict zones, so that peace and justice may be restored everywhere in the world and that no creature of God may lose hope.

8- Let's offer the availability and the centennial experience of IFOR to mediation and to accompany reconciliation processes in societies and communities crossed by wars or violent conflicts.



Jean Pierre MASSAMBA                                                   Apostle PHIRI

(Congo)                                                                      (Zimbabwe)

                                                                                      *Members of the IFOR Representative Consultative Committee, appointed for the Africa region 

APPEL DES BGAs AFRICAINES DE L’IFOR

A LA NON-VIOLENCE, LA PAIX ET LA RECONCILIATION

Brazzaville et Harare, 20 mars 2022

 

Nous, Branches, Groupes et Affiliés (BGAs) Africaines du Mouvement International de la Réconciliation (MIR) :

Sommes fortement préoccupés par la situation de guerre actuelle entre la Russie et l’Ukraine, et grandement attristés par tant de souffrances inutiles et de destructions d’infrastructures et de l’environnement nécessaires au bien-être des populations;

Réaffirmons notre engagement à participer à la promotion de la justice et de la paix par la non-violence active, à dénoncer et à résister à tout recours à la guerre, aux conflits armés et aux autres formes de violence comme moyen de résolution des conflits entre les personnes, les groupes, les conflits internationaux, nationaux ou sociaux ;

Disons que cette dénonciation et résistance concernent également tout ce qui tend à rendre possible, ou à justifier la guerre, le conflit armé et toutes les autres formes de violence ;

Par conséquent, nous:

1- Condamnons fermement la guerre entre la Russie et l’Ukraine, mais également  toutes les guerres et conflits armés en cours dans le monde et notamment en Afrique, où certains se déroulent aux yeux du monde depuis plusieurs années ;

2- Rendons hommages à toutes les victimes de cette guerre actuelle sur le sol européen, tout comme aux victimes des guerres et conflits armés dans d’autres régions du monde ;

3- Considérons que les causes profondes de la guerre entre la Russie et l’Ukraine, ainsi que celles d’autres guerres ou conflits armés dans le monde, sont multiformes, complexes et interdépendantes, qu’aucun conflit ne peut être réglé définitivement par la violence, et que la sécurité et la paix en Europe sont nécessaires, mais ne peuvent être durables que dans le cadre global de la sécurité et la paix entre tous les peuples et nations de notre « maison commune » la terre;

 

4- Rappelons  que la vie de chaque personne est un don unique et inestimable de Dieu, et demandons à toutes les parties impliquées dans des affrontements armés partout dans le monde, et notamment dans la guerre Russie et Ukraine :

-d’observer des cessez-le-feu immédiats afin de préserver les vies humaines et l’environnement de la folie des destructions, et favoriser la résolution pacifique ou non-violente des conflits par le processus de négociation et de dialogue, seul chemin crédible pour faire taire les armes définitivement dans les zones en conflit et parvenir à des nécessaires et possibles réconciliations mutuelles;

- de créer en urgence et de respecter les couloirs humanitaires afin de soulager les souffrances des populations coincées dans les zones de combat, permettre aux personnes qui veulent quitter les zones de combats ou les pays en guerre, de le faire, afin qu’elles soient accueillies avec humanité dans d’autres pays, et particulièrement dans les circonstances actuelles de la situation en Ukraine, que les pays d’Europe  mettent en place des politiques et plans qui font bénéficier une protection adéquate et égale à toutes ces personnes fuyant la guerre, sans distinction de leur nationalité, citoyenneté, affinité, race, religion, conformément au droit international humanitaire, au droit international des droits de l’homme et aux bonnes pratiques ;

- de respecter et de mettre pleinement en œuvre le droit à l'objection de conscience, notamment le droit de refuser de tuer, de rejeter la violence et de refuser de porter des armes dans ces deux pays, la Russie et l’Ukraine, et dans tous les pays, tels que garantis par les traités internationaux relatifs aux droits de l'Homme ;

 

5- Exhortons tous les dirigeants des États, des organisations multinationales et tous les citoyens du monde :

-à s’abstenir de toute déclaration, mesure, formation, fourniture d’armes, de munitions ou de combattants, car de nature à « mettre l’huile au feu» en entraînant l’escalade et l’élargissement de la guerre entre la Russie et l’Ukraine sur le monde entier menacé par l’arme nucléaire ou biologique, de même que ces activités de soutien à la guerre favorisent la régionalisation et l’aggravation d’autres conflits armés dans de nombreux pays à travers le monde ;

- à œuvrer résolument ensemble pour la mise en place à l’échelle internationale, des politiques de désarmement et de démilitarisation, de telle manière que les fonds des dépenses militaires et en armement soient orientés vers l’amélioration des conditions de vie et le développement intégral d’un plus grand nombre de personnes et de communautés dans le monde;

-à redéfinir les bases d’un nouvel ordre mondial fondé sur des structures capables de prévenir et résoudre plus efficacement les conflits entre les États ou des groupes et de mettre fin aux guerres, et qui favorisent plus de justice et de paix dans les relations internationales et entre les peuples ;

6- Encourageons les médias locaux et internationaux, les utilisateurs des réseaux sociaux et services de messageries instantanés, à couvrir en toute liberté et responsabilité les différentes crises à travers le monde, dont la guerre entre la Russie et l’Ukraine, à partager des informations, photos, vidéos, dans l’éthique de s’interdire d’être des instruments de propagande contribuant à nourrir la violence, la division, la haine, la vengeance, et au contraire, être des vecteurs de la promotion du dialogue, de la recherche et la consolidation de la paix, de la réconciliation;

7- Interpellons tous les croyants, femmes et hommes de bonne volonté, sur leurs responsabilités, et les invitons à orienter leurs prières et leurs actions vers l'arrêt de la guerre entre la Russie et l’Ukraine, et dans d’autres zones de conflits, afin que soient restaurées la paix et la justice partout dans le monde et qu’aucune créature de Dieu ne perde espérance.

8- Offrons la disponibilité et l’expérience centenaire de IFOR à des médiations et pour accompagner les processus de réconciliation dans des sociétés et communautés traversées par des guerres ou conflits violents.

"Click here to download the official statement"

Comment

NO WAR! Voices for peace from civil society worldwide

Comment

NO WAR! Voices for peace from civil society worldwide

Here you can see a compilation of different statements and voices from peace organizations around the world.

Say NO TO WAR!

-page constantly updated with new statements-

Photo from Russia: NO WAR

  • Statement by the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement:

The Ukrainian Pacifist Movement condemns all military actions by the sides of Russia and Ukraine in the context of the current conflict.
We call the leadership of both states and military forces to step back and sit at the negotiation table. Peace in Ukraine and around the world can be achieved only in a non-violent way. 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.

Photo from Ukraine: PEACE!

  • Statement by the Movement of Conscientious Objectors to Military Service in Russia:

What is happening in Ukraine is a war unleashed by Russia.
The Conscientious Objectors Movement condemns the Russian military aggression. And calls on Russia to stop the war.
The Conscientious Objectors Movement calls on the Russian soldiers not to participate in hostilities. Do not become war criminals. The Conscientious Objectors Movement calls on all recruits to refuse military service: apply for alternative civilian service, be exempted on medical grounds.

Team members of Napoli and Barcelona hold a banner that reads, "Stop War" during the UEFA Europa League Knockout Round Play-Offs Leg Two match between SSC Napoli and FC Barcelona at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on February 24, 2022 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by SSC NAPOLI/SSC NAPOLI via Getty Images)

Farmers in the German town of Herford, North Rhine-Westphalia, created this XXL peace sign (120 meters) with their tractors. instagram.com/westfalenblatt / Moritz Winde

Comment

Statement of the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement on the current regional crisis

Comment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Comment

IFOR expresses concern at the UN for the freedom of thought, conscience and religion and expression in Ukraine

Comment

IFOR expresses concern at the UN for the freedom of thought, conscience and religion and expression in Ukraine

Today, December 15th, at the UN in Geneva Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada Al-Nashif presented the findings of the latest OHCHR periodic report on the situation of human rights in Ukraine.

During the interactive dialogue several countries took the floor, followed by representatives of the civil society.

The main representative of IFOR at the UN in Geneva delivered a statement concerning the right to conscientious objection to military service in the country, forced enlisting and other related issues.

Human Rights Council 

Geneva, 15th December 2021 

Interactive dialogue on the oral presentation by the High Commissioner for Human Rights  on the findings of the latest OHCHR periodic report on the situation of human rights in Ukraine (HRC res. 41/25)  

Oral statement delivered by the International Fellowship of Reconciliation. 

Madam President,  

International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) thanks the High Commissioner and her office for the oral presentation  on Ukraine. 

IFOR is concerned about violations of the right to conscientious objection reported on the ground. 

The local media recently reported the case of the young Vladyslav Korol who expressed his conscientious objection for  religious reasons and was eventually transferred to military service as a military recruit.1 

Another case concerns two players of the Ukrainian national handball team Ruslan Diyakon and Dmitry Kovalenko  detained by representatives of the police and District Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support.2 

The Human Rights Committee, in its concluding observation on the 8th periodic report of Ukraine, stated that "The  State party should ensure that abductions and arbitrary detention of conscripts are promptly, thoroughly, and  independently investigated, [that perpetrators are prosecuted and punished and that victims are provided with  effective remedies, including adequate compensation.]"3 

We would also like to continue to draw the attention4to the case of the Ukrainian journalist and pacifist Ruslan Kotsaba  who is under trial5 because of a video posted in 2015 to express opposition to the military mobilization for armed  conflict in eastern Ukraine6. He has already spent over 500 days under arrest and has been victim of assaults7 by haters  for whom there is still impunity.  

“Freedom of thought, conscience and religion is a non-derogable right”, alike freedom of expression, “and it continues  to apply regardless of a situation of armed conflict.” 

Thank you. 

The situation of the right to conscientious objection in Ukraine is critical and there are other relevant issues concerning military service and young conscripts.

You can read here the report prepared by IFOR for the review of Ukraine at the 133rd session of the UN Human Rights Committee, which took place in October 2021.

Comment

IFOR speaks on refuse to war and #ConscientiousObjection in Ukraine at the 47th UN Human Rights Council

Comment

IFOR speaks on refuse to war and #ConscientiousObjection in Ukraine at the 47th UN Human Rights Council

#IFORatUN #47HRC #ConscientiousObjection #FreedomExpression #Ukraine

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR is participating in the 47th session of the Human Rights Council which is taking place in Geneva UN Headquarter.

Today, Friday July 9th, IFOR has participated in the Interactive Dialogue on human rights in Ukraine and has delivered an oral statement in the plenary highlighting violations to the Right to #ConscientiousObjection to military service in Ukraine and referring the case of the pacifist journalist Ruslan Kotsaba (Руслан Коцабa) who is again under trial because he expressed opposition to the military mobilization for armed conflict in eastern Ukraine and recently, on June 25th, has been victim of an attack with a chemical substance by a far-right group.

Human Rights Council, 47th Session 

Geneva, 9th July 2021 

Item 10: Interactive dialogue on the oral update of the High Commissioner on Ukraine (HRC res. 41/25)  and interim report of Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Crimea (GA res. 75/192) 

Oral statement delivered by the International Fellowship of Reconciliation. 

  

Thank you Madam President. 

International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) thanks the High Commissioner and Her office for the oral  presentation on Ukraine and as well the Secretary General and His office for its report. 

We express concern about the militarization in the country, the increase of draftees enlisted planned for the  2021 military draft and the ongoing violations of the right to conscientious objection to military service. 

Alternative service, for instance, in Ukraine has a punitive and discriminatory character and it is hardly  accessible. 

IFOR would like to draw again1the attention of the Members of this Council and of the High Commissioner  to the case of Ukrainian journalist and pacifist Ruslan Kotsaba who is again under trial2because of a video posted in 2015 to express opposition to the military mobilization for armed conflict in eastern Ukraine3. He  has already spent over 500 days under arrest for his expression of anti-war thoughts and is accused again of  treason and obstructing military operations. 

On June 25th he was victim of an attack with the green chemical "Seljonka" by a neo-Nazi group at the Ivano Frankivsk railway station and received ophthalmological treatment at the hospital.4[Unfortunately, the attack  on Ruslan Kotsaba is not the only act of violence against Ukrainian activists in recent times.] 

As already highlighted by IFOR5, “Freedom of thought, conscience and religion is a non-derogable right”,  alike freedom of expression, “and it continues to apply regardless of a situation of armed conflict.” 

Thank you. 

  1. Oral statement delivered by IFOR during the 45th Human Rights Council - Interactive Dialogue on the oral presentation of the report on the  situation of human rights in Ukraine on December 18th 2020. 

  2. In Kolomyia City District Court of Ivano-Frankivsk Region. The High Specialized Court on Civil and Criminal Cases in 2017 quashed the acquittal and ordered a retrial. Then several judges and local courts  recused from the case; the court ordered to return formal accusation for further investigation, but the order was quashed by the appellate court;  and now, judges Kalyniuk, Berkeshuk, and Veselov will examine 58 witnesses of the supposed political impact of Ruslan's video blog and pass  their judgment. 

  3. Ruslan Kotsaba was arrested on 7 February 2015 in Ivano-Frankivsk, 130 km south-east of Lviv, after he posted a video describing the conflict  as “the Donbas fratricidal civil war”. He also expressed opposition to military conscription of Ukrainians to take part in the conflict. He was then named as Amnesty International’s first Ukrainian prisoner of conscience in five years. He has already spent 524 days under arrest  and was duly acquitted in 2016. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2015/04/ukraine-suspicious-deaths-need-credible-investigations/ 

  4. https://www.coe.int

  5. Oral statements delivered by IFOR at the 45th session of the Human rights Council, on October 1st, during the ID with the High Commissioner  on the findings of OHCHR report on the situation of human rights in Ukraine.

The case of Ruslan Kotsaba.

Ruslan Kotsaba recognized as a prisoner of conscience by Amnesty International back in 2015. His case is in the spotlight of the Council of Europe Platform on the protection of journalism and the safety of journalists.

The June 25th attack on Ruslan Kotsaba has not been the first one, unfortunately.

About this episode, more information and an interview with the victim concerned are available here.

On January 22nd 2021, the pacifist journalist was attacked near the Kolomyia City District Court of Ivano-Frankivsk Region, in Ukraine, as he was going to the hearing for the trial where he is charged for publications against the war. He published in 2015 a video titled “I refuse to mobilize”.

Read more about the case of this journalist by clicking here.

Here you can find some additional information on recent IFOR initiatives in solidarity with this pacifist journalist.

Here you can read about the statement that IFOR has previously delivered in the plenary at the UN Human Rights Council in December 2020 during a special Interactive Dialogue on Ukraine, reporting on the case of Ruslan Kotsaba.

Comment

Attack on the right to freedom of expression: the case of Ruslan Kotsaba, a Ukrainian anti-war pacifist journalist

Comment

Attack on the right to freedom of expression: the case of Ruslan Kotsaba, a Ukrainian anti-war pacifist journalist

image (1).png

On January 22nd 2021, pacifist journalist Ruslan Kotsaba was attacked near the Kolomyia City District Court of Ivano-Frankivsk Region, in Ukraine, as he was going to the hearing for the trial where he is charged for publications against the war. He published in 2015 a video titled “I refuse to mobilize”.

Read more about the case of this journalist by clicking here.

IFOR shares the deep concern expressed by EBCO - European Bureau for Conscientious Objection in its Press Release "UKRAINE: EBCO shocked by the continuation of prosecution and attacks against Ruslan Kotsaba. Criticism of the military is not a crime! Violence is a crime!", condemning the physical violence against the journalist who is under investigation for going public against the war. Read the Press Release by clicking here.

IFOR has already referred to this individual case in the statement delivered last December at the UN during a session of the Human Rights Council concerning the situation of human rights in Ukraine. Click here to read more.

We stand in solidarity with the victims of the violation of the right to freedom of expression in Ukraine and in any other country.

Reprisals and Violence against human rights defenders and peace activists should always be condemned.

Learn more by clicking here, about possible solidarity initiatives and to take action on this case.

Comment

Top

Subscribe for bulletins and updates!!

Enter your email address below to receive news, updates and our very own newsletter, Reconciled.

Donate to IFOR

IFOR's continuing work is dependent on contributions from individuals and organizations worldwide. Please consider making a donation using the button below to support our work.

Donate

Contact IFOR

Email address: office@ifor.org