IFOR addresses the UN Human Rights Council on the right to refuse to kill

March 10, 2022

On March 10th, on the occasion of the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council, IFOR participated in the Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the freedom of religion or belief, Mr. Ahmed Shaheed, and addressed the issue of the right to conscientious objection to military service in the plenary.

The statement has been co-sponsored by War Resisters' International and referred as well to the concerning situation of armed conflicts.

Human Rights Council, 49th Session

Geneva, 10th March 2022

Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the freedom of religion or belief Joint oral statement delivered by the International Fellowship of Reconciliation.

Mr. President,

We thank the Special Rapporteur for His report1 and share the same concern for the violation of the right to conscientious objection to military service of objectors from religious or belief minorities. We are aware of two Jehovah’s Witnesses currently imprisoned as conscientious objectors in South Korea.2 There are twenty others imprisoned in Eritrea3 where there is a system of indefinite National Service. Last year we had the case of Ukrainian protestant conscientious objectors in the Rivne region whose right has been violated.4

Violations of the right to conscientious objection to military service continue in many countries. In Colombia, young people are recruited by the official army through arbitrary detentions [batidas], although the Constitutional Court has forbidden it in 2011.5

Conscientious objectors continue to be imprisoned in various countries, such as Turkmenistan6, Singapore7, Eritrea8, Tajikistan9, Israel10.

In Turkey, Eritrea and Singapore the right is not recognized. Turkish objectors are facing a situation of “civil death”.11

As highlighted by the SR in His report, we are deeply alarmed by the violation of this right in situations of armed conflicts.

Ukraine compels all males of age 18-60 to take arms and fight in the current war; on the other side we witness the arresting of thousands of anti-war Russian citizens, and we hear that not only contract soldiers, but also ordinary conscripts are employed in the war.12

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

We urge all member States to release all imprisoned conscientious objectors and respect international standards [for the exercise of the right to conscientious objection].

1 A/HRC/49/44https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSessions/Session49/Documents/A_HRC_49_44_AdvanceUneditedVersion.docx

2 https://www.jw.org/en/news/legal/by-region/south-korea/jehovahs-witnesses-in-prison/

3 As of March 2022. https://www.jw.org/en/news/legal/by-region/eritrea/jehovahs-witnesses-in-prison/

4 Parag. 79 of the thirty-first report by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the human rights situation in Ukraine (1 August 2020 to 31 January 2021), based on the work of the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU). https://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Countries/UA/31stReportUkraine-en.pdf

5 Sentence C-879/11 - Measures to compel those who have not complied with the obligation to register in order to define their military situation - They cannot consist of arbitrary detentions that violate personal liberty or judicial confidentiality.

6 https://www.ecoi.net/en/document/2025552.html.

7 https://www.jw.org/en/news/legal/by-region/singapore/jehovahs-witnesses-in-prison/.

8 https://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/Pages/NewsDetail.aspx?NewsID=26439&LangID=E.

9 https://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=2629.

10 https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-conscientious-objector-released-from-military-prison/

https://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/15/treatybodyexternal/Download.aspx?symbolno=INT%2fCCPR%2fCSS%2fISR%2f47719&Lang=en 11 The situation of conscientious objectors is defined as “civil death” by European Court of Human Rights. (Ulke v. Turkey, application no. 39437/98). 12 https://takiedela.ru/news/2022/02/24/komitet-soldatskikh-materey/

https://mobile.twitter.com/KevinRothrock/status/1501567647741358082

https://www.interfax.ru/world/827191

Click here to download the official statement.

To watch live or recorded the Human Rights Council you can click here.

Click here to watch IFOR Main representative at the UN, Ms. Zaira Zafarana, delivering the statement at the Human Rights Council.

Comment

IFOR joins statement at the UN on Western Sahara

March 9, 2022

On the occasion of the opening debate of the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council, which took place in Geneva on March 8th, the International Fellowship of Reconciliation joined a statement delivered by the American Association of Jurists, on behalf of the NGOs Geneva Support Group for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights in Western Sahara.

Item 2 – Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights General debate

I thank you,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of a group of more than 300 organisations (www.genevaforwesternsahara.org); including the Sahrawi National Commission of Human Rights.

We express our deepest concern about the continuing systematic and serious violations of human rights and International Humanitarian Law norms committed by the Kingdom of Morocco in the occupied Non-Self-Governing Territory of Western Sahara.

The illegal plundering of the Saharawi natural resources continues with the support in particular of the member countries of the European Union, in violation of the decisions of the Court of Justice of the European Union.

Sahrawi human rights defenders, journalists and political prisoners are subjected to harassment, threats, arbitrary arrests, ill-treatment, torture, sexual violence. Peaceful manifestations in the Occupied Western Sahara are violently repressed. The use of drones has caused the death of civilians of different nationalities.

The inexplicable silence observed by the Office of the High Commissioner regrettably supports the persistent impunity enjoyed by the Kingdom of Morocco for the crimes committed in the Occupied Western Sahara.

I thank you for your attention.

******

Point 2 – Rapport annuel du Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme Débat général

Je vous remercie,

J'ai l'honneur de parler au nom d'un groupe de plus de 300 organisations (www.genevaforwesternsahara.org) ; y compris la Commission Nationale Sahraouie des Droits de l'Homme.

Nous exprimons notre plus vive préoccupation quant aux violations systématiques et graves des droits de l'homme et des normes du Droit International Humanitaire commises par le Royaume du Maroc dans le Territoire Non Autonome occupé du Sahara Occidental.

Le pillage illégal des ressources naturelles du peuple Sahraoui continue avec le soutien en particulier des pays membres de l’Union européenne, en violation des décisions de la Cour de Justice de l’Union européenne.

Les défenseurs des droits de l'homme, les journalistes et les prisonniers politiques sahraouis sont soumis au harcèlement, aux menaces, aux arrestations arbitraires, aux mauvais traitements, à la torture, aux violences sexuelles. Les manifestations pacifiques au Sahara occidental occupé sont violemment réprimées. L’utilisation de drones a causé la mort de civils de différentes nationalités.

L’inexplicable silence observé par le Haut-Commissariat vient malheureusement conforter l'impunité persistante dont jouit le Royaume du Maroc pour les crimes commis au Sahara Occidental occupé.

Je vous remercie pour votre attention.

******

Tema 2 – Informe anual del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos

Debate general

Muchas gracias,

Tengo el honor de hablar en nombre de un grupo de más de 300 organizaciones (www.genevaforwesternsahara.org); incluida la Comisión Nacional Saharaui de Derechos Humanos.

Expresamos nuestra más profunda preocupación por las sistemáticas y graves violaciones de los derechos humanos y de las normas del Derecho Internacional Humanitario cometidas por el Reino de Marruecos en el Territorio No Autónomo ocupado del Sahara Occidental.

El saqueo ilegal de los recursos naturales del pueblo saharaui continúa con el apoyo en particular de los países miembros de la Unión Europea, en violación de las decisiones del Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea.

Los defensores de los derechos humanos, los periodistas y los presos políticos saharauis son objeto de acoso, amenazas, detenciones arbitrarias, malos tratos, tortura, violencia sexual. Las manifestaciones pacíficas en el Sáhara Occidental ocupado son reprimidas con violencia. El uso de drones ha causado la muerte de civiles de diferentes nacionalidades.

El inexplicable silencio observado por la Oficina del Alto Comisionado lamentablemente respalda la persistente impunidad de la que goza el Reino de Marruecos por los crímenes cometidos en el Sáhara Occidental Ocupado.

Les agradezco su atención.

*****

Click here to read the complete text of the statement.

Western Sahara case

1963 Western Sahara was integrated to the list of Non Self-Governing Territories (NSGT) by the Special Committee on decolonization (C24), the proposal was endorsed by the UN General Assembly (resolution 1956).

1966 Adoption of resolution 2229 by the UN General Assembly, which invited the Administering Power (Spain) to determine at the earliest possible date the procedures for the holding of a referendum with a view to enabling the indigenous population of the Territory to exercise freely its right to self-determination; Spain failed in its mandate as Administering Power and never organized the referendum.

6 Nov. 1975 the International Court of Justice (ICJ) released its Advisory opinion requested by the UN General Assembly on the legal status of Western Sahara: the Court asserted that the materials and information presented to it do not establish any tie of territorial sovereignty between the territory of Western Sahara and the Kingdom of Morocco. Thus the Court has not found legal ties of such a nature as might affect the application of resolution 1514 (XV) in the decolonization of Western Sahara and, in particular, of the principle of self-determination through the free and genuine expression of the will of the peoples of the Territory.

Hassan II launched the military invasion of Western Sahara, followed by thousands of civilians (Green March).

Adoption of resolution 380 by the UN Security Council, which called upon Morocco immediately to withdrawn from the Territory of Western Sahara all the participants in the march.

NOTE: From then on, Western Sahara became (and still is today) the only NSGT which is under foreign illegal military occupation.

26 Febr. 1976 Spain informed the UN Secretary General that as of that date it had terminated its presence in Western Sahara and relinquished its responsibility over the Territory.

NOTE: From then on, Western Sahara became (and still is today) the only NSGT which has not an internationally recognised Administering Power: de jure, Spain should still be considered as the Administering Power, de facto, the UN has the primary responsibility over the Territory.

1979 Mauritania signed a peace agreement with the Polisario Front and withdrew from the Territory.

Adoption of resolution 34/37 by the UN General Assembly, which deeply deplored the aggravation of the situation resulting from the continued occupation of Western Sahara by Morocco and the extension of that occupation to the territory evacuated by Mauritania. The General Assembly also recognized the Polisario Front as the representative of the people of Western Sahara.

1980 Adoption of resolution 35/19 by the UN General Assembly, which declared that it was deeply concerned at the aggravation of the situation deriving from the continued occupation of Western Sahara by Morocco and reiterated the appeal to Morocco to terminate the occupation of Western Sahara.

. . . continue reading about Western Sahara case, and recent developments, in English, Spanish and French on the website of the Geneva Support Group

Comment

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

March 8, 2022

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

Click here to download the official statement.

To watch live or recorded the Human Rights Council you can click here.

Comment

Comment

Conscientious Objector Alert

NO TO WAR! IFOR voice for peace

February 28, 2022

-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"

VOICES FROM IFOR FELLOWSHIP

*Click her to read about voices for peace from civil society worldwide

Comment

NO WAR! Voices for peace from civil society worldwide

February 25, 2022

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-

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.

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.

French anti-militarists, pacifists, objectors, support objectors to the Russian Army
Peace Commissioner of the Protestant Church in Germany (EKD) together with EAK and Connection: Grant protection and asylum to conscientious objectors and deserters from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus
Statement of the European Humanist Federation (EHF): Russian deserters should be granted asylum
"Asylum for those who refuse the war in Ukraine", Statement by the Finnish Union of conscientious objectors
“No Means No”, Call to Belarusian Men to Refuse Recruitment to Fight for Russia in Ukraine, by "Nash Dom"
Russia, Novaya Gazeta. newspaper against the war. Message from Nobel Prize-winning editor-in-chief Dmitry Muratov
"Early this morning we all gathered in the editorial office. We are in mourning.
Our country, on the orders of President Putin, has started a war with Ukraine. And there is no one to stop the war. Therefore, along with grief, we feel shame.
The commander-in-chief spins the "nuclear button" in his hands like a key ring on an expensive car. Is an atomic attack the next step? I cannot interpret Vladimir Putin's words on the weapon of retaliation in any other way.
But we will publish this issue of Novaya Gazeta in two languages: Ukrainian and Russian. Because we do not recognise Ukraine as an enemy and the Ukrainian language as the language of the enemy. And we will never admit it.
Last thing: only the anti-war movement of Russians can save life on this planet."
Dmitry Muratov, editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Joint statement of ICAN with Dmitry Muratov, 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Russian journalist, condemning Putin's threats to use nuclear weapons in Novaya Gazeta.
300 Russian NGO reps write to #Putin:
"We oppose the military actions that our country carries out on the territory of Ukraine. All our work is the struggle for human dignity, saving lives."
Russians are against the war on Ukraine!
Feminist Antiwar Resistance
Statement of the Soldier mothers of St. Petersburg
An open letter of scientists and scientific journalists against the war in Ukraine
Action by the Food Not Bombs group in Moscow
An appeal for peace by a group of 233 clerics of the Russian Orthodox Church
There are groups in Telegram through which you can follow the activities of anti-war activists in Russia (in Russian):
On Facebook, conscientious objectors' organizations update quite actively:
- https://www.facebook.com/stoparmy
- https://www.facebook.com/netprizyvu
On Twitter about the anti-war movement, e.g.:

International Campaign for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons - ICAN

Pax Christi International

ECCHR - European center for constitutional and human rights statement

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

*Click here to read about IFOR voice for peace

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

February 11, 2022

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

WEBINAR #1 of the ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR SERIES

“20 YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL ACCOMPANIMENT IN COLOMBIA”

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

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

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

Our main speakers will be:

Peter Cousins, IFOR vice-president and former FORPP accompanier
Gildardo Tuberquia, Peace Community of San José de Apartadó
Jutta Meier-Wiedenbach and Chris Moore-Backman, former FORPP accompaniers
María Eugenia Mosquera Riascos, accompanied person and current FORPP accompanier
Michaela Soellinger, FOR Austria and current FORPP accompanier
Manuel Müller, FORPP program director

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

Register here and participate!

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

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

Program

Welcoming

1st part

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

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

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

Gildardo Tuberquia, Peace Community of San José de Apartadó

2nd part

TESTIMONIES: interview with former and current FOR Peace Presence accompaniers

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

3rd part

PRESENTATION #3: FOR Peace Presence in today Colombian context

Manuel Müller, FOR Peace Presence program coordinator

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

Michaela Soellinger, FOR Austria and current FOR Peace Presence accompanier

OPEN FORUM: exchange on international accompaniment

Closing

*Q&As moderated throughout the meeting

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

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

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

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

More info on the ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR SERIES are available here.

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

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

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

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

You are welcome to also share on Fb here

IFOR-International Fellowship of Reconciliation,

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

WEBINAR #1 de la SERIE DE WEBINARIOS DEL ANIVERSARIO

"20 AÑOS DE ACOMPAÑAMIENTO INTERNACIONAL EN COLOMBIA"

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

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

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

Nuestros principales ponentes serán

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

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

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

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

- Michaela Soellinger, FOR Austria y actual acompañante del FORPP

- Manuel Müller, director del programa FORPP

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

¡Inscríbase aquí y participe!

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

Programa

Bienvenido

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

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

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

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

Clausura

*Preguntas y respuestas moderadas a lo largo de la reunión

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

¡NO OLVIDES REGISTRARTE Y PASAR LA VOZ!

También puedes compartirlo en Fb aquí

IFOR - Mouvement International de la Réconciliation,

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

"20 ANS D'ACCOMPAGNEMENT INTERNATIONAL EN COLOMBIE"

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

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

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

Nos principaux intervenants seront :

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

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

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

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

- Michaela Soellinger, FOR Autriche et accompagnatrice actuelle du FORPP

- Manuel Müller, directeur du programme FORPP

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

Inscrivez-vous ici et participez !

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

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

Programme

Accueil

1ère partie

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

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

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

Gildardo Tuberquia, Communauté de paix de San José de Apartadó

2ème partie

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

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

3ème partie

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

Manuel Müller, coordinateur du programme FOR Peace Presence

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

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

FORUM OUVERT : échange sur l'accompagnement international

Clôture

*Q&Rs animées tout au long de la réunion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

N'OUBLIEZ PAS DE VOUS INSCRIRE ET DE FAIRE PASSER LE MOT !

Vous êtes également invités à partager sur Fb ici.

Comment

ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR SERIES on Colombia

February 8, 2022

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

ANNIVERSARY WEBINAR SERIES

A webinar series to celebrate 25 years of the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó and 20 years of FOR Peace Presence

Download the flyer here!!

Scroll down for Spanish and French.

The webinar series will include, primarily, first hand contributions from the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó and FORPP international accompaniers and address different topics related to human rights, human rights defenders and international solidarity.

This series of 3 webinars will also offer the possibility to get insights on the current situation of the peace process in Colombia after the signing of the Peace Agreement in 2016.

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

Webinar #1: "20 Years of International Accompaniment in Colombia," on February 26th at 5pm CET
Webinar #2: "The Peace Community of San José de Apartadó: 25 Years of Resistance to Violence", in March 16th at 4pm CET, during the 49th session of the UN Human Rights session
Webinar #3: "Peace Efforts in Colombia: Current Challenges and Opportunities", in May 7th at 5pm CEST

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

The detailed program with speakers for each of the 3 webinars will be soon published and shared.

More info at https://www.ifor.org/recent-news-from-the-movement-3

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

SAVE THE DATE AND JOIN IN!

IFOR-International Fellowship of Reconciliation, junto con FOR Peace Presence y FOR Austria, se alegra de invitarle a:

SERIE DE WEBINARS DE ANIVERSARIO

Una serie de webinars para celebrar los 25 años de la Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó y los 20 años de FOR Peace Presence

Baja el flyer aqui!

La serie de webinars incluirá, principalmente, contribuciones de primera mano de la Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó y de los acompañantes internacionales de FORPP y abordará diferentes temas relacionados con los derechos humanos, los defensores de los derechos humanos y la solidaridad internacional.

Esta serie de 3 webinars también ofrecerá la posibilidad de conocer la situación actual del proceso de paz en Colombia después de la firma del Acuerdo de Paz en 2016.

El objetivo de esta serie de webinars es sensibilizar sobre la actualidad colombiana, dar voz a la Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó y proporcionar una oportunidad para compartir las lecciones aprendidas sobre el acompañamiento internacional; así, construir una mayor conexión y solidaridad y aprender a colaborar mejor a nivel global y local para los derechos humanos y la construcción de la paz.

Webinar #1: "20 años de acompañamiento internacional en Colombia", el 26 de febrero a las 5pm CET
Webinar #2: "La Comunidad de Paz de San José de Apartadó: 25 años de resistencia a la violencia", en 16 de marzo a las 4pm CET, durante la 49ª sesión de Derechos Humanos de la ONU
Webinar #3: "Esfuerzos de paz en Colombia: Retos y oportunidades actuales", el 7 de Abril a las 5pm CEST.

La serie de webinars será en inglés y español, con interpretación en francés también.

El programa detallado con los oradores de cada uno de los 3 webinars será publicado y compartido próximamente.

Más información en https://www.ifor.org/recent-news-from-the-movement-3

¡GUARDA LA FECHA Y PARTICIPA!

IFOR - Mouvement International de la Réconciliation, en collaboration avec FOR Peace Presence et FOR Autriche, a le plaisir de vous inviter à :

SÉRIES DE WEBINAIRES ANNIVERSAIRE

Une série de webinaires pour célébrer les 25 ans de la Communauté de Paix de San José de Apartadó et les 20 ans de FOR Peace Presence

Téléchargez le dépliant ici!

La série de webinaires comprendra principalement des contributions de première main de la Communauté de Paix de San José de Apartadó et des accompagnateurs internationaux de FORPP et abordera différents sujets liés aux droits de l'homme, aux défenseurs des droits de l'homme et à la solidarité internationale.

Cette série de 3 webinaires offrira également la possibilité d'avoir un aperçu de la situation actuelle du processus de paix en Colombie après la signature de l'Accord de Paix en 2016.

L'objectif de cette série de webinaires est de sensibiliser aux questions colombiennes actuelles, de donner la parole à la communauté de paix de San José de Apartadó et de fournir une opportunité de partager les leçons apprises sur l'accompagnement international ; ainsi, construire une connexion et une solidarité plus fortes et apprendre comment collaborer au mieux au niveau global et local pour les droits de l'homme et la construction de la paix.

Webinar #1 : "20 ans d'accompagnement international en Colombie", le 26 février à 17h00 CET
Webinar #2 : "La Communauté de Paix de San José de Apartadó : 25 ans de résistance à la violence", en 16 mars à 16:00 CET, pendant la 49ème session de le Conseil des Droits de l'Homme des Nations Unies.
Webinar #3 : "Efforts de paix en Colombie : Défis actuels et opportunités", en 7 May à 17:00 CEST.

La série de webinaires se déroulera en anglais et en espagnol, avec une interprétation en français.

Le programme détaillé avec les intervenants pour chacun des 3 webinaires sera bientôt publié et partagé.

Plus d'informations sur https://www.ifor.org/recent-news-from-the-movement-3

RÉSERVEZ LA DATE ET PARTICIPEZ !

Comment

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

February 2, 2022

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.

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.

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

Comment

Statement of the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement on the current regional crisis

February 2, 2022

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 Russian st-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

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

January 18, 2022

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.

"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.

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.

Comment

News & Updates from the Movement

Human Rights Council, 49th Session

Geneva, 10th March 2022

Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the freedom of religion or belief Joint oral statement delivered by the International Fellowship of Reconciliation.

“Appeal for Peace in Ukraine”

Conscientious Objector Alert

NO TO WAR!

NON A LA GUERRE !

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