Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

PRESS RELEASE • EASING OF TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN UKRAINE

Söder and Linnemann Call for Actions Contrary to International Law

When Russia launched its attack, the Ukrainian government imposed an exit ban on all men between the ages of 18 and 60. Since then, leaving the country has only been possible with special permission. This constitutes a violation of the human right to freedom of movement. Since the end of August 2025, men aged 18 to 22 have been allowed to leave the country, and many are taking advantage of this opportunity ⸻ presumably including a large number of conscientious objectors.

Week of Action for the International Day of Conscientious Objection, 15 May 2025

All events

Around the International Day of Conscientious Objection, 15 May, there will be events and actions in several countries: Istanbul, London, Seoul, Bogotá, Medellín, Carlisle, Liverpool, Wokingham, Oxford, Staffordshire, Leicester, Washington, Edinburgh, Göttingen, Celle, Aalen, Mainz, Oldenburg, Greifswald, Schwerin, Nottuln, Erlangen, Stuttgart, Mannheim, Marburg, Mainz, Bonn, Bielefeld, Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Berlin. With these events, we are calling for protection for all those who refuse to go to war. Conscientious objection is a human right, especially during war. Persecuted conscientious objectors and deserters need asylum!

Weeks of action to the International Day of Conscientious Objection, May 15, 2024

Actions and Events, May 7 to June 1

(06.05.2024) Around the International Day of Conscientious Objection, May 15, there will be events and actions in various countries. With the events we are calling for protection for all those who refuse to go to war. Conscientious objection is a human right, especially during war. Prosecuted conscientious objectors and deserters need asylum!

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!