Webinar #2 "Conscientious Objection in times of War: Russia, Belarus and Ukraine"

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Webinar #2 "Conscientious Objection in times of War: Russia, Belarus and Ukraine"

The webinar series launched last month on “Conscientious objection to military service in times of war” continues with a new session focusing on the war in Ukraine.

Webinar #2 will take place on March 3rd  at 2pm Geneva/ 3pm Kyiv / 4pm Moscow time and will host campaigners on conscientious objection from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

Interpretation will be provided in English, Spanish, French, Russian.

How can we support conscientious objectors and deserters from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine?
The war in Ukraine has raged for a year now, and there is little hope that it will end soon. The death toll and the destruction rise daily. Russia is unwilling to end its attack and withdraw, and is pumping more and more troops into Ukraine. There is an ongoing risk of Belarus’ active involvement in the war. Meanwhile, the Western countries support Ukraine in its defence by continuing to send more and more heavy weapons. Calls for negotiations and cease-fires remain unheard.
Conscientious objectors refusing to take part in this war is our hope for peace. Since the beginning of the war, we have witnessed hundreds of thousands of people on all sides fleeing their countries and refusing to participate in this war.
#ObjectWarCampaign

Our support for conscientious objectors and deserters is vital for peace!
On March 3rd, we will hear from campaigners for peace from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine about the situation of conscientious objectors in their countries and how we can support them.

Speakers
In this webinar, we will hear from
Elena Popovka (Movement of Conscientious Objectors, Russia)
Olga Karatch (Our House, Belarus)
Yurii Sheliazhenko (Ukrainian Pacifist Movement, Ukraine)

Registration
This event is free however registration is required.
Please use the link here to register.

This is an event organised by International Fellowship of Reconciliation and War Resisters’ International in collaboration with Connection e.V. and is taking place on the occasion of the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Pass along the word
Read more about our previous Webinar #1 here.


We are looking forward to meeting you on March 3rd!

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International organizations call for action against forced mobilization and to support conscientious objectors and deserters in Russia and Ukraine

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International organizations call for action against forced mobilization and to support conscientious objectors and deserters in Russia and Ukraine

22 February 2023

In the framework of the #ObjectWarCampaign (Russia, Belarus, Ukraine: Protection and asylum for deserters and conscientious objectors to military service), the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR), War Resisters’ International (WRI), the European Bureau for Conscientious Objection (EBCO), and Connection e.V. (Germany), call for actions at the Ukrainian and Russian embassies from the 23rd to the 27th of February 2023 to protest against the forced mobilisation and to express solidarity with Ukrainian and Russian conscientious objectors and deserters.

The four organisations denounce all the cases of forced and even violent recruitment to the armies of both sides, as well as all the cases of persecution of conscientious objectors and deserters.

The organisations highlight the case of 46-year-old Christian conscientious objector Vitaly Alekseenko who was convicted to one-year imprisonment sentence by the Ivano-Frankivsk Appeal Court on 16 January 2023 for refusing call up to the military on conscientious grounds. "I told the court I agree that I have broken the law of Ukraine," Alekseenko told Forum 18, "but I am not guilty under the law of God." Ivano-Frankivsk police told him "to be ready to be taken to prison" on 20 February 2023.

The four organisations consider the conviction of conscientious objector Vitaly Alekseenko a blatant violation of his right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, guaranteed under Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which is non-derogable in time of public emergency, according to Article 4.2 of ICCPR.

The organisations express their full solidarity with Vitaly Alekseenko and urge the Ukrainian authorities to drop all charges against him immediately. The organisations underline that his conviction occurs in the context that Ukraine has suspended the right of conscientious objection in the current emergency and call for the relevant decree to be immediately reversed.

The organisations also recall their strong condemnation of the Russian invasion of the Ukraine, and call on the soldiers not to participate in hostilities and on all recruits to refuse military service. They also demand Russia to stop prosecuting and release all anti-war protestors who non-violently oppose their government's war of aggression against Ukraine. The organisations as well as call on the Belarusian government to restrain from participation in and complicity with this war.

The Ukrainian, Russian and Belarusian governments should safeguard the right to conscientious objection to military service, including in wartime, fully complying with the European and international standards, amongst others the standards set by the European Court of Human Rights. Moreover, Ukraine is member of the Council of Europe and needs to continue to respect the European Convention of Human Rights. As now Ukraine becomes candidate to join the European Union, it will need to respect the Human Rights as defined in the EU Treaty, and the jurisprudence of the EU Court of Justice, which include the right of conscientious objection to military service.

Furthermore, the organisations emphasize that thousands of men and women on all sides are trying to flee their countries to evade the crimes of war. They are all our hope for overcoming violence. Therefore, the European Union should grant protection and asylum to all deserters and conscientious objectors! The Union should urge the Ukrainian government to stop persecuting conscientious objectors to military service and to guarantee them a full right to conscientious objection! And the European Union should open the borders to those who oppose war at great personal risk in their country!

Click here to download the press release

Contact persons:

The European Bureau for Conscientious Objection (EBCO) was founded in Brussels in 1979 as an umbrella structure for national associations of conscientious objectors in the European countries to promote the right to conscientious objection to preparations for, and participation in, war and any other type of military activity as a fundamental human right. EBCO enjoys participatory status with the Council of Europe since 1998 and is a member of its Conference of International Non-Governmental Organisations since 2005. EBCO is entitled to lodge collective complaints concerning the European Social Charter of the Council of Europe since 2021. EBCO provides expertise and legal opinions on behalf of the Directorate General of Human Rights and Legal Affairs of the Council of Europe. EBCO is involved in drawing up the annual report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs of the European Parliament on the application by the Member States of its resolutions on conscientious objection and civilian service, as determined in the “Bandrés Molet & Bindi Resolution” of 1994. EBCO is a full member of the European Youth Forum since 1995.


War Resisters' International (WRI) was founded in London in 1921 as a global network of grassroots organisations, groups and individuals working together for a world without war. WRI remains committed to its founding declaration that 'War is a crime against humanity. I am therefore determined not to support any kind of war, and to strive for the removal of all causes of war'. Today WRI is a global pacifist and antimilitarist network with over 90 affiliated groups in 40 countries. WRI facilitates mutual support, by linking people together through publications, events and actions, initiating nonviolent campaigns that actively involve local groups and individuals, supporting those who oppose war and who challenge its causes, and promoting and educating people about pacifism and nonviolence. WRI runs three programmes of work that are important to the network: The Right to Refuse to Kill Programme, the Nonviolence Programme, and Countering the Militarisation of Youth.


The International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) was founded in 1914 in response to the horrors of war in Europe, and has taken a consistent stance against war and its preparation throughout its history. Today IFOR has branches, groups, and affiliates in over 40 countries on all continents, while the International Secretariat is located in the Netherlands. IFOR’s membership includes adherents of all the major spiritual traditions as well as those who have other spiritual sources for their commitment to nonviolence. IFOR has observer and consultative status to the United Nations ECOSOC and UNESCO organisations. IFOR maintains permanent representatives in Geneva, New York and Vienna and at the UNESCO in Paris who regularly participate in conferences and meetings of UN bodies, providing testimony and expertise from different regional perspectives, promoting non-violent alternatives in the fields of human rights, development, and disarmament.


Connection e.V. was founded in 1993 as an association advocating a comprehensive right to conscientious objection at an international level. The organisation is based in Offenbach, Germany, and collaborates with groups opposing war, conscription and the military in Europe and beyond, extending to Turkey, Israel, the U.S., Latin America and Africa. Connection e.V. demands that conscientious objectors from war regions should get asylum, and offers counseling and information to refugees and support for their self-organisation.

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CALL TO ACTION "No Means No – to the War in Ukraine"

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CALL TO ACTION "No Means No – to the War in Ukraine"

International Organizations Call For Actions at the Belarusian Embassies on the 20th of February to Protest Against a Possible Entry into the War in Ukraine by Belarus, and to Support Conscientious Objectors and Deserters.

No Means No – to the War in Ukraine

No Belarusian Troops for the War – Call for Conscientious Objection and Desertion

On the 20th of February 2023, we - Nash Dom, Ukrainian Pacifist Movement, Connection e.V., Federation for Social Defence, International Fellowship of Reconciliation, Agir pour la paix and War Resisters’ International – call for demonstrations outside Belarusian embassies across Europe. These protests will draw attention to the danger of Belarus joining Russia by sending military personnel to attack Ukraine.

The war in Ukraine has raged for almost a year now, and there is little hope that it will end soon. The death toll and the destruction rise daily. Russia is unwilling to end its attack and withdraw, and is pumping more and more troops into Ukraine. The Western countries support Ukraine in its defence by continuing to send more and more heavy weapons. Calls for negotiations and cease-fires remain unheard.

On the 20th of February 2022, Russian troops were ordered to stay in Belarus after the end of a joint exercise with the Belarusian army. Four days later, the attack against Ukraine began, including Russian troops based in the territory of Belarus. Up until now no Belarusian troops have joined the war, though Belarus provides logistical aid to Russia.

The right to refuse to kill is a human right, recognized by various international human rights institutions. In Belarus, this right is not recognized. Conscientious objectors and deserters are persecuted and jailed. This has meant that more than 20,000 young men have been left with no choice but to leave their homeland and seek refuge abroad, because they feared being recruited. Most of them prefer to stay close to their former home – in the Baltic countries and Poland – which puts a heavy burden on their host countries. These countries need support from their partners in the EU! Such a mass movement of objectors also sends a strong message to Russia. Belarus under Lukashenko so far has been the stoutest ally of Putin’s Russia. When its citizens refuse to join the war, this will hopefully further demoralize the nationalist and militarist narratives in Russia as well.

No means no! We call to:

  • support for Nash Dom’s “NO means NO” campaign. The campaign calls on men of Belarus to refuse to join the army or to leave it if they are already serving: Have the courage to say “No” when asked to join a war that violates international law and causes massive death, suffering and destruction in a neighbouring country! You are a hero if you object, not if you become a soldier in this war!

  • mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers in Belarus to encourage their boys not to join the military and to help them to escape from recruitment.

  • to the Belarusian authorities

    • to respect the human right of conscientious objection to military service and

    • to restrain from participation in and complicity with the war of aggression against Ukraine by the Russian authorities.

  • the governments of the European countries

    • to establish a humanitarian corridor for Belarusian conscientious objectors and deserters.

    • to give shelter to objectors and deserters from Belarus on humanitarian grounds, without forcing them into an asylum procedure.

  • the churches to use their influence and moral weight to protect those who refuse to fight.

  • civil society in all countries to express its support for objectors and deserters from all sides in the war. Support the #ObjectWarCampaign which is demanding shelter and asylum for objectors of the war in Ukraine.

  • the civil servants and diplomats of Belarus in the embassies where we will hold our protests to express solidarity with those who oppose the war.

For more information in your country, support of the appeal and information about action plans in your country, please write to: info@nash-dom.info

Read here the full text of the call with first signatories.

Join the action  'No means NO - to the War in Ukraine' on February 20th!

INSIGHTS

- “We are concerned that Lukashenko might plan to send the Belarusian army to fight on the side of Russia in the war”, Rudi Friedrich, the coordinator of the German organization ‘Connection e.V.’ says. “We want to send a strong signal in support of the Belarusian NGO Nash Dom’s campaign ‘NO means
NO’ which calls on men of Belarus to refuse to join the army or to leave it if they are already serving."
- “More than 20,000 young men have already left Belarus to avoid service in the army. Most of them are in the Baltic countries or in Poland, adding to the swelling numbers of refugees there. These countries urgently need financial and material aid by their partners in the EU to adequately cater to the needs of these refugees. And we need a humanitarian corridor for them”, explains Olga Karatch, the head of ‘Nash Dom’.
- “To us, the right to conscientious objection which has been established at the UN as a universal human right is essential. Those who do not wish to fight must not be punished or sent to prison as it is currently the case. We call on the Lukashenko regime in Belarus to respect the human right of conscientious objection to military service and to restrain from participation in and complicity with Putin’s regime war of aggression against Ukraine.” explains the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement.
- Dr. Christine Schweitzer, the Coordinator of the German NGO “Federation for Social Defence” expresses the hope that such a mass movement of objectors also sends a strong message to Russia. “Belarus under Lukashenko so far has been the stoutest ally of Putin’s Russia. When its citizens refuse to join the war, this will hopefully further demoralize the nationalist and militarist narratives in Russia as well, and increase the pressure to put an end to this war”, she says. “We also hope that other initiatives, for example those that have in the past supported the twinning between cities in Belarus and the West, use this occasion to make new contact with their partners in Belarus and encourage them to support those who do not want war.”

CONTACTS
Alexia Tsouni, European Bureau for Conscientious Objection (EBCO), ebco(at)ebco-beoc.org, www.ebco-beoc.org (English, Greek)
Semih Sapmaz, War Resisters’ International (WRI), semih(at)wri-irg.org, www.wri-irg.org (English, Turkish)
Zaira Zafarana, International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR), zaira.zafarana(at)ifor.org, www.ifor.org (English, Italian)
Rudi Friedrich, Connection e.V., office@Connection-eV.org, www.Connection-eV.org (English, German)
Ukrainian Pacifist Movement: shelya.work@gmail.com (English, Ukrainian, Russian)
Olga Karatch, Nash Dom, olga.karatch@gmail.com (English, Belarusian, Russian)
Christine Schweitzer, Bund für Soziale Verteidigung, Christine Schweitzer, schweitzer@soziale-verteidigung.de (English, German)

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IFOR at the Africa Regional Seminar on the TPNW in Pretoria

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IFOR at the Africa Regional Seminar on the TPNW in Pretoria

The African Regional Seminar on the Universalisation of the TPNW was held in Pretoria, South Africa, on 30-31 January 2023, and it was preceded by a full day ICAN Campaigners Meeting. 
The Seminar has been co-hosted by South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), ICAN, and the International Committee of the Red Cross. 37 African states sent their senior government officials from their capitals to participate, Mexico and Malaysia were also represented.

Read more here.

CAMPAIGNERS MEETING

29TH JANUARY 2023

  • This session for campaigners began by painting the picture of what we want to see in the world and the explaining what ICAN is and what it stands for.

  • This was followed by a session on the success stories of those campaigners whose countries have successfully signed and ratified the TPNW. Of note was the Comoros story.

  • The Campaigners meeting helped much in networking with like-minded peace campaigners in Africa.

BRIEF OUTLOOK

  • Zimbabwe has signed but not yet ratified.

  • Kenya highlighted that the influence of campaigners from other countries could help. 

  • Ethiopia is encountering some resistance.  

  • In Central African Republic. awareness and literacy on Nuclear Weapons is very low.

  • In Comoros, diplomacy and non-confrontational approach brought results. 


Key Areas Needing Attention Highlighted in the Campaigners Meeting. 

  1. Protocol challenges on whom to approach is hindering and delaying progress. 

  2. Lack of resources was sighted as another key challenge. 

  3. Great collaboration needed in supporting each other on social media growth and impact.

  4. Networking is key to both information dissemination and advocacy. 

AFRICA REGIONAL SEMINAR ON THE UNIVERSALISATION OF THE TPNW

30th January 2023

SESSION 1

  • The chair Mr Zaheer Laher of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa acknowledged the critical role of African States in the drive to have states ratify the TPNW.  

  • Mr Alvin Botes the South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation highlighted South Africa’s commitment to a nuclear free world and exhorted every participant to utilise the seminar opportunity.

  • Ms Beatrice Fihn, Executive Director of ICAN highlighted the urgency of the matter and commended the African States that have ratified.

  • Mr Jules Amoti, Head of ICRC brought to the fore the catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons which must never be underestimated. It our duty he said to see to it that as many countries ratify the TPNW. This he said is just the beginning and not an end.

SESSION 2

  • Sarah Mabheza, Regional Legal Advisor of ICRC Pretoria highlighted the Human Consequences of Nuclear Weapons.

    The screening of video “Algeria - Point Zero the invisible Jerboa” brought to reality the consequences of nuclear weapons. 

  • Edwick  Madzimure spoke well on Transboundary effects of nuclear weapons use for Africa

SESSI0N 3

  • Relationship between the TPNW and the global and regional disarmament architecture was well articulated and Prof J Pretorius of the University of Western Cape painted a somewhat gloomy outlook as he encouraged more efforts and commitment towards the ratification of the TPNW. 

  • Christopher Kayoshe of AU Commission narrated the AU history of commitment and support to the TPNW showing a hopeful outlook and great serious intention on the part of AU.

  • SESSION 4

  • States represented had an opportunity to speak on the progress and commitment towards the TPNW and below are some of the key highlights. 

  • Zimbabwe has fully signed the treaty and fully supported it and was in the process of ratification. 

  • Guinea-Bissau acknowledged all the supporting partners to the seminar and mentioned that every state has its own peculiarity and each state should play its role.  

  • Nigeria indicated that it is fully behind the whole process, while Ghana was working towards ratifying. 

  • Cape Verde encouraged the majority of present states to ratify the treaty. 

  • Central African Republic said the country is on course.

31st January 2023

  • Mr Zahheer Laher showed that while Africa does not produce nuclear weapons it is however at the mercy of the producers.

  • Ambassador Syed Mohamad Aide the permanent representative of Malaysia to the United Nations spoke on the need for more commitment from the Africa States. Malaysia has ratified the TPNW. 

  • Mozambique is in full support of the initiative and aspires for a nuclear free world.

  • Equatorial Guinea registered disappointment on the refusal of global powers to sign the treaty.

  • Gambia said it is in full support of the TPNW. 

  • Sierra Leone said the timing is great. Sierra Leonne supported the humanitarian pledge from onset. It highlighted the negative impact of a nuclear weapon use and indicated its high level of commitment.

  • Zambia is still a signatory and is in the processes of ratifying.  Zambia expects to ratify the treaty by end of this year. 

  • Madagascar showed that the use and the risk of nuclear weapon usage is so high and is in solidarity with the drive towards the signing and ratification of the TPNW. 

  • Lesotho values the positive effect of the treaty and exhorted other states to support the universalisation of the treaty. Lesotho has both signed and ratified the treaty. 

  • Democratic Republic of Congo is fully cognizant and regrets that that the uranium used in Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs was mined in DRC. It has since signed and ratified the treaty 

  • Dr Noel Stott of VERTIC highlighted that universalization takes an understanding that all parties have universal information. 

USEFUL MATERIALS


Have a look at IFOR participation in the Vienna nuclear ban week in June 2022 here.


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Webinar #1 on the right to conscientious objection ot military service in times of war

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Webinar #1 on the right to conscientious objection ot military service in times of war

Webinar series: Conscientious objection in times of war

You’re invited to a new webinar series on “The right to conscientious objection to military service in times of war”.

Connection e.V., International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR), Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) and War Resisters’ International (WRI) are starting a webinar series focusing on conscientious objection to military service in times of war this February. 

The series will include a number of webinars each focusing on a particular conflict zone with the participation of conscientious objectors and campaigners on conscientious objection to military service.

Even if the war in Ukraine is in the foreground of the news coverage, war is being waged in many countries today. And in all these wars, there are people who evade recruitment, refuse military service or desert. Because of the threat of repression in their own countries, they seek protection abroad, which is unfortunately all too often denied them.

With this webinar series, we will hear from refusers and campaigners on conscientious objection from Colombia, Eritrea, Belarus, Ukraine, Russia, and elsewhere, and discuss the ways in which we can support them.

WEBINAR # 1

This first, introductory, webinar will take place on February 9th at 4pm CET.

Register here to get the link to participate.

Speakers

Our first webinar will give a general introduction to our series including short presentations on what international law says about conscientious objection in times of war, as well as the asylum rights of conscientious objectors from countries waging war. 

In addition, we will hear from campaigners from Colombia, Eritrea and Ukraine about their ongoing campaigns to support conscientious objectors. 

The speakers will include:

  • Rachel Brett (War Resisters’ International)

  • Helen Kidan (Eritrean Movement for Democracy and Human Rights)

  • Maricely Parada (Colombian Collective Action of Conscientious Objectors)

  • Yurii Sheliazhenko (Ukrainian Pacifist Movement) 

  • Rudi Friedrich (Connection e.V.)

Date and Time

9th February, Thursday, 4pm CET

Registration

This event is free, however registration is required. 

Please use the link here to register.

Share on social media as well.


We are looking forward to meeting you on February 9th!

Participate in webinar #2 on Russian, Belarus, Ukraine context, on March 3rd: register here and learn more here.

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'Reconciled' IFOR newsletter, 2022 Edition

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'Reconciled' IFOR newsletter, 2022 Edition

Dear IFOR community and friends,

We are delighted to send out the latest bulletin of 'Reconciled'! Please enjoy the news from around the Fellowship. This is a public edition and can be shared widely within your BGAs, membership and other friends who may be interested.

You will note that the date mark is October 2022. The final editorial process itself took a very long time, as we were dealing with some issues. We therefore decided to keep the date of October 2022. Any news from November onwards will be picked up in the next edition. Thanks for your understanding.

You can download the English PDF version of Reconciled 2022 here.

Chère communauté et amis du MIR,

Nous sommes ravis de vous envoyer le dernier bulletin de 'Réconcilié' ! Veuillez profiter des nouvelles de la communauté. Il s'agit d'une édition publique et peut être largement partagée au sein de vos BGA, de vos membres et d'autres amis susceptibles d'être intéressés.

Vous remarquerez que la date limite est octobre 2022. Le processus éditorial final lui-même a pris beaucoup de temps, car nous traitions de certains problèmes. Nous avons donc décidé de conserver la date d'octobre 2022. Toute nouvelle à partir de novembre sera reprise dans la prochaine édition. Merci pour votre compréhension.


Vous pouvez télécharger la version PDF française de Reconciled 2022 ici.

Estimada comunidad y amigos de IFOR,

¡Estamos encantados de enviar el último boletín de 'Reconciliados'! Por favor, disfrute de las noticias de toda la Fraternidad. Esta es una edición pública y se puede compartir ampliamente con sus BGA, miembros y otros amigos que puedan estar interesados.

Notará que la marca de fecha es octubre de 2022. El proceso editorial final en sí tomó mucho tiempo, ya que estábamos tratando con algunos problemas. Por lo tanto, decidimos mantener la fecha de octubre de 2022. Cualquier novedad a partir de noviembre se recogerá en la próxima edición. Gracias por su comprensión.

Puede descargar la versión en PDF en español de Reconciliad@s 2022 aquí.

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Ukraine: Drop all charges against Vitaly Alekseenko immediately

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Ukraine: Drop all charges against Vitaly Alekseenko immediately

The right to conscientious objection to military service is a human right inherent to the right to the freedom of conscience, thought and religion. It's a universal and non-derogable right.

Currently Ukraine has violated the right, suspending it and for the first known time since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Ukraine has jailed an individual for refusing on grounds of conscience a military call-up.

PRESS RELEASE:

Click here to download official release
The release is available in French here
The release is available in Italian here

Ukraine: Drop all charges against Vitaly Alekseenko immediately

18 January 2023

In Ukraine, on 16 January 2023, Ivano-Frankivsk Appeal Court rejected the appeal of 46-year-old Christian Vitaly Alekseenko against his conviction for refusing call up to the military on conscientious grounds. "I told the court I agree that I have broken the law of Ukraine," Alekseenko told Forum 18, "but I am not guilty under the law of God." When he gets the written verdict, which he expects on 19 January, the one-year imprisonment sentence will go into force and he expects to be taken to prison immediately afterwards.

The European Bureau for Conscientious Objection (EBCO), War Resisters’ International (WRI), the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) and Connection e.V. (Germany) consider the conviction of conscientious objector Vitaly Alekseenko a blatant violation of his right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, guaranteed under Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which is non-derogable in time of public emergency, according to Article 4.2 of ICCPR.

The organisations express their full solidarity with Vitaly Alekseenko and urge the Ukrainian authorities to drop all charges against him immediately.

The organisations underline that his conviction occurs in the context that Ukraine has suspended the right of conscientious objection in the current emergency and call for the relevant decree to be immediately reversed.

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

The Ukrainian government should safeguard the right to conscientious objection to military service, including in wartime, fully complying with the European and international standards, amongst others the standards set by the European Court of Human Rights. Ukraine is member of the Council of Europe and needs to continue to respect the European Convention of Human Rights. As now Ukraine becomes candidate to join the European Union, it will need to respect the Human Rights as defined in the EU Treaty, and the jurisprudence of the EU Court of Justice, which include the right of conscientious objection to military service.

More info: Forum 18

Photo: Vitaly Alekseenko, Copyright: Vitaly Alekseenko

#ObjectWarCampaign: Russia, Belarus, Ukraine: Protection and asylum for deserters and conscientious objectors to military service

Contact persons:

Alexia Tsouni, European Bureau for Conscientious Objection (EBCO), ebco@ebco-beoc.org, www.ebco-beoc.org (English, Greek)

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

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

Rudi Friedrich, Connection e.V., office@Connection-eV.org, www.Connection-eV.org (English, German)

The European Bureau for Conscientious Objection (EBCO) was founded in Brussels in 1979 as an umbrella structure for national associations of conscientious objectors in the European countries to promote the right to conscientious objection to preparations for, and participation in, war and any other type of military activity as a fundamental human right. EBCO enjoys participatory status with the Council of Europe since 1998 and is a member of its Conference of International Non-Governmental Organisations since 2005. EBCO is entitled to lodge collective complaints concerning the European Social Charter of the Council of Europe since 2021. EBCO provides expertise and legal opinions on behalf of the Directorate General of Human Rights and Legal Affairs of the Council of Europe. EBCO is involved in drawing up the annual report of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs of the European Parliament on the application by the Member States of its resolutions on conscientious objection and civilian service, as determined in the “Bandrés Molet & Bindi Resolution” of 1994. EBCO is a full member of the European Youth Forum since 1995.

War Resisters' International (WRI) was founded in London in 1921 as a global network of grassroots organisations, groups and individuals working together for a world without war. WRI remains committed to its founding declaration that 'War is a crime against humanity. I am therefore determined not to support any kind of war, and to strive for the removal of all causes of war'. Today WRI is a global pacifist and antimilitarist network with over 90 affiliated groups in 40 countries. WRI facilitates mutual support, by linking people together through publications, events and actions, initiating nonviolent campaigns that actively involve local groups and individuals, supporting those who oppose war and who challenge its causes, and promoting and educating people about pacifism and nonviolence. WRI runs three programmes of work that are important to the network: The Right to Refuse to Kill Programme, the Nonviolence Programme, and Countering the Militarisation of Youth.

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) was founded in 1914 in response to the horrors of war in Europe, and has taken a consistent stance against war and its preparation throughout its history. Today IFOR has branches, groups, and affiliates in over 40 countries on all continents, while the International Secretariat is located in the Netherlands. IFOR’s membership includes adherents of all the major spiritual traditions as well as those who have other spiritual sources for their commitment to nonviolence. IFOR has observer and consultative status to the United Nations ECOSOC and UNESCO organizations. IFOR maintains permanent representatives in Geneva, New York and Vienna and at the UNESCO in Paris who regularly participate in conferences and meetings of UN bodies, providing testimony and expertise from different regional perspectives, promoting non-violent alternatives in the fields of human rights, development, and disarmament.

Connection e.V. was founded in 1993 as an association advocating a comprehensive right to conscientious objection at an international level. The organisation is based in Offenbach, Germany, and collaborates with groups opposing war, conscription and the military in Europe and beyond, extending to Turkey, Israel, the U.S., Latin America and Africa. Connection e.V. demands that conscientious objectors from war regions should get asylum, and offers counseling and information to refugees and support for their self-organization.

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IFOR Juba Council: statement on Colonialism and Africa

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IFOR Juba Council: statement on Colonialism and Africa

The International Fellowship of Reconciliation gathered in Juba, South Sudan, for its quadrennial Council on November 14-20, 2022.
At the conclusion of the working sessions, on Sunday 20th, IFOR held a symbolic ceremony on "Colonialism" which was accompanied by a public statement.

SYMBOLIC CEREMONY

Inside the African bowl there was a yellow shirt and a key.
Yellow is a color for optimism and hope. It also represents new beginnings, all of which are essential for any successful story of reconciliation and forgiveness.
The key represents the closing of the past and the opening of the future.
The woman that received the tokens represented the power of motherhood in pioneering peace, forgiveness and reconciliation in hostile environments.
The passing of those tokens to her children and their reception signified the transmission and acceptance of the message of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation and the will to take the bold step into new beginnings.

IFOR STATEMENT on COLONIALISM and AFRICA

Juba Council, 20 November 2022

Founded in response to the horrors of war in Europe, the International Fellowship Of Reconciliation has taken a consistent stance against war and its preparation throughout its history. IFOR members share a vision of a world where conflicts are resolved through nonviolent means, where systems that foster fear and hatred are dismantled, and where justice is sought as a basis for peace

Perceiving the need for healing and reconciliation in the world, the founders of IFOR formulated a vision of the human community based upon the belief that love in action has the power to transform unjust political, social, and economic structures

Having been established in 1914 and now with 71 branches, groups and affiliates in 48 countries on all continents, IFOR exists across spiritual and geographical boundaries. We therefore share the shame and the sinfulness of our European predecessors over the brutal colonization of Africa and all the evils that followed. And we offer our sincere, heartfelt and prayerful acknowledgment of these failures which are part of us, not just of some distant ‘them’.

We stand today on African soil here in Juba, South Sudan as peacemakers, seeking forgiveness and extending a hand of reconciliation. We seek to deepen our learning and response to the depths of colonialism, neocolonialism and all the violent effects brought about by these imperial systems. We are aware that for many on all sides, it can be difficult to look at these effects, to listen carefully to one another, and to empower those most affected to speak up. It is not easy to hold onto the depths of cruelty which the ideologies of racism and white supremacy have marked our cultures, divided our communities, and caused war and genocide. Yet as we feel the embrace of our hosts from the youngest country on the planet, the ideal of reconciliation feels more tangible and possible to us than ever before.

Our coming to Africa today, for the first time as a Council on this continent, is a major historic symbolic step of our acknowledgment and commitment to the rebuilding of healthy cooperative relationships between our sisters and brothers from Africa and the rest of our International. Our choice to hold the Council on African soil, and our actual arrival on this hospitable land, is no accident. No true internationalism can be built without the inclusion of all peoples of our rainbow earth.

Remembering and acknowledging the errors of the past also means a social call to name the injustice and to ensure that it is not repeated. Memories therefore shine lights on injustices, making them actionable. Our desire for reconciliation must not skip the task of social reparation and obscures the continuities of racism and white supremacy.

We are fully cognizant that this is just a step, perhaps a small initial step, but a right step into the journey of full trust, respect and mutual co-existence between the West, the East, and the African continent. This symbolic stage of action should inspire IFOR to develop a consensual program for future action, to translate our common will and commitment here into concrete future collaborations. In the context of the sins of our forefathers, and the hopes and dreams of all of us today as envisioned in our meetings and decisions made here, we believe these steps taken together will build a better fellowship both within our organization and in the communities we touch.

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DÉCLARATION DE L'IFOR SUR LE COLONIALISME ET L'AFRIQUE

Conseil de Juba, 20 novembre 2022

Fondée en réponse aux horreurs de la guerre en Europe, le Mouvement international du la Réconciliation - MIR (International Fellowship of Reconciliation – IFOR) a adopté une position constante contre la guerre et sa préparation tout au long de son histoire.  Les membres de l'IFOR partagent une vision d'un monde où les conflits sont résolus par des moyens non violents, où les systèmes qui favorisent la peur et la haine sont démantelés et où la justice est recherchée comme base de la paix.

Percevant le besoin de guérison et de réconciliation dans le monde, les fondateurs de l'IFOR ont formulé une vision de la communauté humaine basée sur la conviction que l'amour en action a le pouvoir de transformer les structures politiques, sociales et économiques injustes.

Créé en 1914 et maintenant avec 71 branches, groupes et affiliés dans 48 pays sur tous les continents, le MIR existe au-delà des frontières spirituelles et géographiques.  Nous partageons donc la honte et le péché de nos prédécesseurs européens face à la colonisation brutale de l'Afrique et à tous les maux qui ont suivi.  Et nous offrons notre reconnaissance sincère, sincère et priante de ces échecs qui font partie de nous, pas seulement de quelques « eux » lointains.

Nous nous tenons aujourd'hui sur le sol africain ici à Juba, au Soudan du Sud, en tant qu'artisans de la paix, cherchant le pardon et tendant la main de la réconciliation.  Nous cherchons à approfondir notre apprentissage et notre réponse aux profondeurs du colonialisme, du néocolonialisme et de tous les effets violents provoqués par ces systèmes impériaux.  Nous sommes conscients que pour beaucoup de tous bords, il peut être difficile d'examiner ces effets, de s'écouter attentivement les uns les autres et de donner aux personnes les plus touchées les moyens de s'exprimer.  Il n'est pas facile de s'accrocher aux profondeurs de la cruauté que les idéologies du racisme et de la suprématie blanche ont marquées dans nos cultures, divisé nos communautés et provoqué guerres et génocides.  Pourtant, alors que nous sentons l'étreinte de nos hôtes du plus jeune pays de la planète, l'idéal de réconciliation nous semble plus tangible et possible que jamais auparavant.

Notre venue en Afrique aujourd'hui, pour la première fois en tant que Conseil sur ce continent, est une étape symbolique historique majeure de notre reconnaissance et de notre engagement à reconstruire de saines relations de coopération entre nos sœurs et frères d'Afrique et le reste de notre Internationale.  Notre choix de tenir le Conseil sur le sol africain, et notre arrivée effective sur cette terre hospitalière, n'est pas un hasard.  Aucun véritable internationalisme ne peut être construit sans l'inclusion de tous les peuples de notre terre arc-en-ciel.

Se souvenir et reconnaître les erreurs du passé signifie aussi un appel social à nommer l'injustice et à veiller à ce qu'elle ne se reproduise pas.  Les souvenirs mettent donc en lumière les injustices, les rendant exploitables.  Notre désir de réconciliation ne doit pas faire l'impasse sur la tâche de réparation sociale et occulter les continuités du racisme et de la suprématie blanche.

Nous sommes pleinement conscients qu'il ne s'agit que d'une étape, peut-être une petite étape initiale, mais une bonne étape dans le voyage de pleine confiance, de respect et de coexistence mutuelle entre l'Occident, l'Orient et le continent africain.  Cette étape symbolique de l'action devrait inspirer le MIR à développer un programme consensuel d'action future, pour traduire notre volonté et notre engagement communs ici en collaborations futures concrètes.  Dans le contexte des péchés de nos ancêtres, et des espoirs et des rêves de nous tous aujourd'hui, tels qu'ils sont envisagés dans nos réunions et décisions prises ici, nous croyons que ces mesures prises ensemble construiront une meilleure fraternité à la fois au sein de notre organisation et dans les communautés que nous toucher.

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DECLARACIÓN DEL MIR sobre el COLONIALISMO y ÁFRICA
Consejo de Yuba 20 de noviembre de 2022

Fundad o como respuesta a los horror e s de la g uerra en Europa, el Movimiento Internacional de Reconcilia-ción (MIR IFOR) mantiene a lo largo de su historia una postura consistente contra la guerra y su preparacióna. Las y los integrantes del MIR comparten la visión de un mucho en dónde los conflictos sean res ueltos a través de medios noviolentos, dónde se desmantelen los sistemas que fomentan el miedo y odio, y dónde se busque la justicia como base para la paz.

Percibiendo la necesidad de la sanación y reconciliaci ón en el mundo, los fundadores del MIR formu laron una visión de la comunidad humana, basada en la creencia que el amor en acción conlleva el poder de transformar las estructuras políticas, sociales y económicas injustas.

Establecido en el 1914, y ahora con 71 ramas, grupos y afiliados en 48 países e n todos los continentes, el MIR transciende las fronteras espirituales y geográficas. Compartimos así la sensación de vergüenza y la pecaminosidad de nuestros antecesores europeos con respecto a la colonización brutal de África y todos los males posteriores a los que ésta dio lugar. Y ofrecemos nuestro reconocimiento sincero, de corazón, y devoto de estos fracasos, que hacen parte de nosotros, en vez de pertenecer a un ‘ellos’ distante.

Nos encontramos hoy en suelo africano en Yuba, Sud án del Sur, como artesanas y artesanos de la paz, en búsqueda del perdón y con la mano de reconciliación extendida. Queremos profundizar nuestro aprendizaje y nuestra respuesta ante las profundidades del colonialismo, el neocolonialismo, y todos l os efectos violentos que acarrean estos sistemas imperiales. Somos conscientes de que, para muchos en todos los lados, resulta una tarea difícil mirar dichos efectos, escucharnos con cuidado los un os a los otros, y empoderar a la s personas más afectad a s, p ara que alcen la voz. No es fácil quedarse con las profundidades de crueldad que las ideologías del racismo y la supremacía blanca que han m arcado nuestras culturas, y provocado la guerra y el genocidio. No obstante, sintiendo el abrazo de nuestros anfitri ones d e este país el más joven del planeta la ideal de la reconciliación nos parece más tangible y posible que nunca jamás.

Nuestra venid a a África en estos días, por primera vez como Consejo en este continente, es un paso simbólico histórico significativo de nuestro reconocimiento y compromiso con la reconstrucción de relaciones sanas y cooperativas entre nuestros hermanos y hermanas de África, y el resto de nuestro Internacional. Nuestra decisión de convocar el Consejo en suelo africano, y n uestra llegada real en esta tierra acogedora, no es accidental. No es posible construir ningún internacionalismo verdadero sin la inclusión de todos los puebl os de nuestra tierra arcoíris.

Recordar y reconocer los errores del pasado, tambi én suponen un lla mado social a nombrar la injusticia y garantizar que nunca se repita. Por lo tanto, los recuerdos echan luces sobre las injusticias, volviéndolas objetos de acción. Nuestro deseo de reconciliación no puede pasar por alto la tarea de la reparación social, ni oscurecer la continu ación del racismo y la supremacía blanca.

Somos plenamente conscientes de que éste es un paso, tal vez s ólo un pequeño, primer paso; no obstante un paso correcto hacia el camino d e la confianza, el respeto, y la coexistencia mutua e ntre Occidente, Oriente y el continente africano. Esta fase simbólica de acción debe inspirar al MIR que desarrolle un programa consensuada de acción futura, para convertir nuestro deseo y compromiso comunes aquí en colaboraciones fu-turas concretas. En el contexto de los pecados de nuestros progenitores, y de las esperanzas y los sueños de todas y todos nosotros hoy, según nos imaginábamos en nuestras reun iones y decisiones aquí tomadas , creemos que estos pasos, tomados juntos, construirán una mayor fellows hip (fraternidad), tanto dentro de nuestra organización como en las comunidades que tocamos.

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IFOR QUADRENNIAL COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF IFOR

HELD IN JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN, NOVEMBER 14-20, 2022

 

The quadrennial International Council of the International Fellowship for Reconciliation (IFOR) was held at the Guest House of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS), in Juba, from November 14 to 20, 2022, alongside a Public Conference.

The International Council was preceded by a Public conference held from November 12 to 13, 2022, under the theme: "Armed Conflicts and Peaceful Transitions in Africa: Lessons from Southern Sudan and around the World". This event was attended by political, administrative and religious authorities, activists from civil society organizations in South Sudan and international organizations, and the general public. This conference pointed the fact that the African continent is today the most affected by recurrent armed conflicts with consequences that may delay the development of that part of the world. Nevertheless, amidst the ashes of violence, suffering and tears that have no colour or borders, there are more and more signs of hope for another version of Africa, "… free, prosperous and integrated into the international community, where conflicts are transformed in a non-violent manner, and where justice, social har- mony and peace reign".

As a prelude to the International Council, on the morning of November 14th, IFOR members in Africa held their first Inter-African Meeting.

The International Council (IFOR's supreme body) that followed was historic: for the first time in IFOR's more than 100 years of existence, it was held in Africa. In a hybrid format, its 60 delegates evaluated the progress made from 2018 to 2022 by its members and bodies, and appreciated the work accomplished, especially under often difficult conditions in Africa and South America. They expressed great concerns about our current context characterised by major crises and armed conflicts such as in the Great Lakes countries and the Sahel in Africa, Ukraine, etc. Faced with the many challenges of injustice and violence that threaten cohesion and peace in our world, although sometimes implemented by humble initiatives, it remains that nonviolence is the most credible way to defend the sacred gift of life, safeguard peace, promote human dignity, and protect the environment again climate change. Conscious of the common destiny of human beings, IFOR therefore reaffirms its commitment to pursue with greater determination, in solidarity with other actors, its mission in the service of reconciliation, justice and peace through nonviolence.

The Council therefore set up Working Groups, adopted resolutions and recommendations, including the imple- mentation of a Strategic Action Plan in Africa for the years 2022 to 2027 entitled "Promoting Non-Violence, Recon- ciliation, Democracy and Peace in Africa", measures within the framework of the "Common Security Initiative 2022 and those on the right to conscientious objection to military service, as well as reflection on the future vision of IFOR, etc.

It also nominated a new International Committee (Board) to work for the next four years. President: Zoughbi- Zoughbi (Wi’am Palestine); Co-Vice-Presidents: Jean Pierre Massamba (MIR Congo) and Christian Renoux (MIR France); Treasurer: Christiane Lohse (FOR Germany); Members: Ariel Gold and Susan Smith (FOR USA -sharing seat-), Ruhi Das (BASTOB Bangladesh), Blas Garcia (SERPAJ Latin America).

It also appointed regional representatives to the Representatives Advisory Committee.

The participants gave thanks to God who is above all powers for so the many seeds of hope sown on African soil such as in South Sudan, a country undergoing political transition. They expressed their sincere thanks to the Government of the country, and its President Dr Salva Kiir, for all the facilities provided, to the Primate of the Province of the Epis- copal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) and the Metropolitan Bishop of the Diocese of Juba, the Reverend Dr. Justin Badi Arama, and to the leaders of the other religious communities and their faithful for their participation and support.

Juba, November 20th 2022

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COMUNICADO DE PRENSA

CONSEJO INTERNACIONAL DE IFOR

EN JUBA, SUDÁN DEL SUR, DEL 14 AL 20 DE NOVIEMBRE DE 2022

El Consejo Internacional cuatrienal del Movimiento Internacional de la Reconciliación – MIR (International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR) se celebró en la Casa de Huéspedes de la Iglesia Episcopal de Sudán del Sur (ECSS), en Juba, del 14 al 20 de noviembre de 2022, junto con una Conferencia Pública.

El Consejo Internacional fue precedido por una Conferencia Pública celebrada del 12 al 13 de noviembre de 2022, bajo el tema: "Conflictos armados y transiciones pacíficas en África: lecciones de Sudán del Sur y de todo el mundo". Asistieron autoridades políticas, administrativas y religiosas, actores de organizaciones de la sociedad civil de Sudán del Sur e internacionales, y el público en general. Señaló que hoy en día el continente africano es el más afectado por los conflictos armados recurrentes, cuyas consecuencias probablemente retrasarán el desarrollo de esta parte del mundo durante mucho tiempo. Sin embargo, entre las cenizas de esta violencia, el sufrimiento y las lágrimas que no tienen color ni fronteras, hay cada vez más signos de esperanza para otra África "... libre, próspera e integrada en la comunidad internacional, donde los conflictos se transformen sin violencia y donde reinen la justicia, la armonía social y la paz".

Como preludio del Consejo Internacional, el 14 de noviembre por la mañana los miembros de IFOR en África cele- braron su primera Reunión Inter africana.

El Consejo Internacional (órgano supremo de IFOR) fue histórico: ¡era la primera vez en más de 100 años de exis- tencia de IFOR que se celebraba en África! En un formato híbrido, sus 60 delegados evaluaron los progresos realizados de 2018 a 2022 por sus miembros y organismos, y apreciaron el trabajo realizado, especialmente en condiciones a menudo difíciles en África y Sudamérica.

Expresaron su gran preocupación por el actual contexto marcado por grandes crisis y conflictos armados, por ejemplo, en los países de los Grandes Lagos y en el Sahel en África, en Ucrania, etc. Frente a los numerosos desafíos de la injusticia y la violencia que amenazan la cohesión y la paz en nuestro mundo, sigue siendo la no-violencia, aunque a veces se ponga en práctica a través de humildes iniciativas, la forma más creíble de defender el don sagrado de la vida, de salvaguardar la paz, de promover la dignidad humana, de proteger el medio ambiente contra el cambio climático. Consciente del destino común de los pueblos, el IFOR reafirma por tanto su compromiso de proseguir con mayor determinación, en solidaridad con otros actores, su misión al servicio de la reconciliación, la justicia y la paz a través de la no-violencia.

A continuación, el Consejo creó grupos de trabajo, adoptó resoluciones y recomendaciones, entre las que destacan la puesta en marcha de un Plan de Acción Estratégico en África para los años 2022 a 2027 titulado "Promover la no- violencia, la reconciliación, la democracia y la paz en África", medidas en el marco de la "Iniciativa de Seguridad Común 2022" y las relativas a el derecho a la objeción de conciencia al servicio militar, así como la reflexión sobre la visión de futuro del IFOR, etc.

Nombró un nuevo Comité Internacional (Consejo de Administración) para los próximos cuatro años. Presidente: Zoughbi-Zoughbi (Wi’am Palestina), Copresidentes: Jean Pierre Massamba (MIR Congo) y Christian Renoux (MIR Francia), Tesorera: Christiane Lohse (IFOR Alemania), Miembros: Ariel Gold y Susan Smith (IFOR E.U. -compar- tiendo asiento-), Ruhi Das (BASTOB Bangladesh), Blas García (SERPAJ América Latina). También seleccionó a los representantes regionales para el Comité Consultivo de Representantes.

Los participantes dieron gracias a Dios, que está por encima de todos los poderes, por tantas semillas de esperanza sembradas en la tierra de África desde Sudán del Sur, que está en transición política. Expresaron su sincero agradeci- miento al Gobierno de Sudán del Sur, y su presidente Dr. Salva Kiir, por todas las facilidades proporcionadas, así como su gratitud al Primado de la Provincia de la Iglesia Episcopal de Sudán del Sur (ECSS) y Obispo Metropolitano de la Diócesis de Juba, el Reverendo Dr. Justin Badi Arama, a los líderes de las demás comunidades religiosas y a sus fieles, por su participación y apoyo.

Juba, 20 de noviembre de 2022

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COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE

CONSEIL INTERNATIONAL DE L’IFOR

TENU A JUBA (SUD-SOUDAN), DU 14 AU 20 NOVEMBRE 2022

 

Le Conseil International quadriennal du Mouvement International de la Réconciliation - MIR (International Fellowship of Reconciliation - IFOR) s’est déroulé au Guest House de l’Eglise Episcopale du Sud Soudan (ECSS), à Juba, du 14 au 20 novembre 2022, doublé d’une Conférence publique.

Le Conseil International a été précédé d’une Conférence publique tenue du 12 au 13 novembre 2022, sous le thème :

« les conflits armés et les transitions pacifiques en Afrique : les leçons à tirer du cas du Sud-Soudan et dans le monde entier ». Celle-ci a connu la participation des autorités politiques, administratives, religieuses, des acteurs des organisations de la société civile du Sud Soudan et internationales, et le grand public. Elle a relevé qu’aujourd’hui le continent africain est celui qui est le plus traversé par des conflits armés récurrents dont les conséquences risquent encore longtemps de retarder le développement de cette partie du monde. Néanmoins, au milieu des cendres de ces violences, souffrances et larmes qui n’ont pas de couleur ni de frontière, il y a de plus en plus des signes d’espérance pour une autre Afrique « … libre, prospère et intégrée dans la communauté internationale, où les conflits sont transformés de manière non-violente, et où règnent la justice, l’harmonie sociale et la paix ».

Prélude au Conseil International, dans la matinée du 14 novembre, les membres IFOR en Afrique ont tenu leur première

Rencontre Inter-Africaine.

Le Conseil international (organe suprême de l’IFOR) qui a suivi a été historique : c’est pour la première fois en plus de 100 ans d’existence d’IFOR, qu’il se tienne en Afrique ! Sous forme hybride, ses 60 délégués ont fait l’évaluation du chemin parcouru de 2018 à 2022 par ses membres et ses organes, et apprécié le travail accompli notamment dans des conditions souvent difficiles en Afrique et en Amérique du Sud. Ils ont exprimé leur grande inquiétude en raison du contexte actuel marqué par des grandes crises et conflits armés, par exemple dans les Pays des Grands Lacs et au Sahel en Afrique, la guerre en Ukraine, etc. Face aux nombreux défis de l’injustice et de la violence qui menacent la cohésion et la paix dans notre monde, il demeure que la non-violence, quoique parfois mise en œuvre par des humbles initiatives, est le moyen le plus crédible pour défendre le don sacré de la vie, sauvegarder la paix, promouvoir la dignité humaine, protéger l’environnement contre le changement climatique. Conscients de la communauté de destin des peuples, l’IFOR réaffirme en conséquence son engagement à poursuivre avec plus de détermination, en solidarité avec d’autres acteurs, sa mission au service de la réconciliation, de la justice et de la paix par la non-violence.

Le Conseil a alors mis en place des Groupes de travail, adopté des résolutions, recommandations, parmi lesquelles la mise en œuvre d’un Plan d’action stratégique en Afrique pour les années 2022 à 2027 intitulé « promouvoir la non- violence, la réconciliation, la démocratie et la paix en Afrique », des mesures dans le cadre de l’« Initiative de Sécurité Commune 2022 », et celles sur le droit à l’objection de conscience au service militaire, ainsi que sur la réflexion de la vision future de IFOR, etc.

Il a nommé pour les quatre années à venir, un nouveau Comité International (Conseil d’administration). Président : Zoughbi-Zoughbi (Wi’am Palestine), Co-Vice-Presidents : Jean Pierre Massamba (MIR Congo) et Christian Renoux (MIR France), Trésorière : Christiane Lohse (FOR Allemagne), Membres : Ariel Gold et Susan Smith (FOR USA - siège partagé-), Ruhi Das (BASTOB Bengladesh), Blas Garcia (SERPAJ Amérique Latine). Il a aussi choisi des repré- sentants régionaux au Comité Consultatif des Représentants.

Les participants ont rendu grâce à Dieu qui est au-dessus de toutes puissances pour tant de germes d’espérance semées en terre d’Afrique à partir du Sud Soudan qui est en transition politique. Ils ont exprimé leurs sincères remerciements au Gouvernement de ce pays et à son President, le Docteur Salva Kiir, pour toutes les facilitations accordées, ainsi que leur gratitude au Primat de la Province de l’Eglise Episcopale du Sud Soudan (ECSS) et Evêque Métropolitain du Diocèse de Juba, le Révérend Docteur Justin Badi Arama, aux leaders des autres communautés religieuses et leurs fidèles, pour leur participation et soutien.

Juba, le 20 novembre 2022

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IFOR PUBLIC CONFERENCE IN JUBA: "Armed Conflicts and Peaceful Transition in Africa: Lessons learned from South Sudan and around the world"

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IFOR PUBLIC CONFERENCE IN JUBA: "Armed Conflicts and Peaceful Transition in Africa: Lessons learned from South Sudan and around the world"

Ahead of its quadrennial 2022 Council which will start on November 14th in Juba, South Sudan, and will last a week, the International Fellowship of Reconciliation organizes an International event focussing on peace efforts in the Africa continent.

PRESS RELEASE

IFOR PUBLIC EVENT IN JUBA!

From the four corners of the world, artisans of non-violence, reconciliation and peace are meeting in the African city of Juba, South Sudan.

On Friday 11th and Saturday 12th November 2022, the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) -a spiritual based peace movement founded in 1914- will host a public Conference at the All Saints Cathedral Compound located in the heart of downtown Juba.

The Conference is open to the general public; women, men and young people from diverse backgrounds and cultures will reflect and share on the theme: "Armed Conflict and Peaceful Transition in Africa: Lessons from South Sudan and around the world".

On the 11th it is planned a plenary session starting at 15:00. On the 12th there will be several thematic sessions starting at 9:30 till 17:30.

The Conference will be in English, with translations in French and Spanish.

Wherever you are, individually or collectively, we invite you to join this public event, which will be both in person and streamed live on IFOR YouTube channel.

You can find the detailed program on IFOR website.

IFOR welcomes you and we will walk together on the paths of peace reconstruction in Africa and in the world.

Juba, November 10th 2022

Contact info: office@ifor.org 



COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE

EVENEMENT PUBLIC DU MIR A JUBA!

Venant des quatre coins du monde, des artisan (e)s de la non-violence, de la réconciliation et de la paix se rencontrent en terre d’Afrique de la ville de Juba, au Sud Soudan.

Le vendredi 11 et le samedi 12 novembre 2022, le Mouvement International de la Réconciliation (MIR/IFOR) - un mouvement à base spirituelle pour la paix fondé en 1914 - organisera une Conférence publique dans le bâtiment de All Saints Cathédral situé au cœur du centre-ville de Juba.

Le Conférence est ouverte au large public ; femmes, hommes, jeunes d’origines et de cultures diverses, vont réfléchir et partager autour du thème : « Les conflits armés et la transition pacifique en Afrique : les leçons tirées  du cas du Sud-Soudan » .

Le 11, une session plénière est prévue à partir de 15h00. Le 12, il y aura plusieurs sessions thématiques de 9h30 à 17h30.

Le Conférence sera en anglais, avec des traductions en français et en espagnol.

Quel que soit le pays où vous vous trouvez, individuellement ou collectivement, nous vous invitons à vous joindre à cet Evénement public qui sera en présentiel et diffusée en direct sur la chaîne YouTube de l'IFOR.

Vous pouvez trouver le programme détaillé sur le site web d'IFOR.

Le MIR vous souhaite la bienvenue et nous allons marcher ensemble sur les chemins de la reconstruction de la paix en Afrique et dans le monde.

Juba, 10 novembre 2022

 Coordonnées: office@ifor.org

 

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