Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Advocacy at the UN and much more, June till December 2025

Reporting on Ukraine, Singapore, Russia, South Korea, Colombia, Burkina Faso...

2025 • Zaira Zafarana, international advocacy coordinator of «Connection e.V.» raised the issue of conscientious objection to military service during the 59th and 60th sessions of the UNHRC in Geneva. Furthermore, together with her team of researchers she submitted country—based reports to UN mechanisms for Member States reviews by treaty committees and for official reporting to the Council.

JOINT PRESS RELEASE • Greece: Annul the Unlawful Call-Up for Military Service of Recognised CO Zacharias Piazas

17.02.2026 • A recognised conscientious objector in Greece is being called up for military service in a case with multiple violations of human rights and illegalities. Zacharias Piazas has been officially recognised as conscientious objector to military service, by decision of the Greek Minister of National Defence, in September 2025.

PRESS RELEASE • Russian Reservist Eventually Granted Asylum in Finland ...

... — Decision Based on Military-legal and Political Risks

13.02.2026 • A Russian citizen, R., has been granted international protection in Finland following more than three years of examination of his case — from September 2022 until November 2025.

No War on Christmas

23.12.2025 • A Christmas message from Yuri Sheliazhenko of the «Ukrainian Pacifist Movement» in Kyiv ⸻ and that he is supposed to register for compulsory military service on December 24, of all days.