Many countries practice forceful recruitment for war. Objectors are discriminated against and persecuted. Connection e.V., an association founded in 1993, advocates a comprehensive right to conscientious objection at an international level. The organisation collaborates with groups opposing war, conscription and the military. Beyond Europe, our network extends to Turkey, the U.S., Israel, Latin America and Africa.
The danger of prosecution has forced many conscientious objectors to leave their countries. However, prosecution as a conscientious objector is usually not recognized as a reason for asylum. Connection e.V. demands that conscientious objectors from war regions should get asylum. We offer counseling and information to refugees and support for their self-organization.
International Action #RefuseWar – Brief Description
(25.04.2024) Here is a brief description of our #RefuseWar campaign and how you share your contribution on our interactive map where we publish personal statements against military service and in solidarity with conscientious objectors, deserters, and war resisters. That way, we demonstrate that many of us oppose militarism, war, and war preparations!
Connection e.V. is starting a new systematic work at the United Nations in Geneva
(16.04.2024) Starting in May 2024, Connection e.V. will begin a new systematic work to support conscientious objectors within the United Nations System in Geneva with its new consultant Zaira Zafarana. "We are very pleased," said Rudi Friedrich, Director of the conscientious objection network Connection e.V., today, "that the important work for the human right to conscientious objection to military service at the UN in Geneva can now be significantly strengthened again and further developed."
Call to action for the International Day of Conscientious Objection (May 15)
Conscientious objection is a human right. Conscientious objectors to military service need asylum
(08.04.2024) We are organising rallies and demonstrations in front of government institutions of warring states, vigils in front of monuments to deserters and other creative actions at various locations during the week of 15 May, the "International Day of Conscientious Objection" - from 13 to 19 May 2024. We emphasise: Conscientious objection is a human right!