Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Belarus: Submission to the UN Council

(07.04.2025) This submission documents systemic human rights violations in Belarus, focusing on the militarisation of children and youth, and the tightening of the obligatory military service system.

Two core areas of concern are highlighted:

a) Militarisation of Children and Youth

b) Suppression of Conscientious Objection and Anti-War Dissent

#RefuseWar everywhere! - Call to action on May 15

International Conscientious Objection Day

(07.04.2025) Dear, on May 15, the International Conscientious Objection Day, we want to send out a powerful joint message for peace and the right to refuse to kill. Especially in times of global armed conflict, it is more important than ever to promote public debate on conscription, conscientious objection and alternatives to the military.

USA - Conscientious objection to military service, juvenile recruitment and related issues

Connection e.V. reports to the UN Human Rights Council to UPR (50th session)

(April 2025) The submission focused on the right to conscientious objection to military service, juvenile recruitment and related issues. These issues are highly important in the case of the United States of America, taking into consideration the size of its armed forces and the frequent involvement in military interventions and armed conflicts abroad.

Switzerland - Conscientious objection to military service and related issues

Connection e.V. reports to the UN Human Rights Committee (144th session)

(April 2025) The report focused mainly on a. the punitive duration of the alternative civilian service, b. the possible criminalisation / punishment of conscientious objectors who refuse or fail to perform such a punitive and discriminatory alternative civilian service, c. reports that in such cases conscientious objectors are tried by military courts.