Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

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.

Joint statement concerning the body examining applications for conscientious objector status in Greece

(21.05.2025) The above-named international organisations strongly endorse the appeal on behalf of A.A. against the rejection by the Deputy Minister of National Defence, following a negative recommendation by the Special Committee, of his application to perform alternative service as a conscientious objector.

Advocacy at the UN and much more, July till October 2024

Reporting on Bolivia, Greece, Turkey, Kyrgysztan and other countries

(06.11.2024) Zaira Zafarana, international advocacy coordinator of Connection e.V. raised the issue of conscientious objection to military service in different countries during the 57^th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. She took the floor in the plenary of the Council on several occasions. Furthermore, she submitted country-based reports to UN mechanisms for upcoming reviews and reporting to the council.

Connection e.V. briefs the UN human rights committee on Greece

(21.10.2024) Connection e.V. delivered an oral statement on the violations of the right to conscientious objection to military service in Greece during the formal briefing at the UN human rights committee in Geneva. It raised as well as concerns about the lack of follow up and implementation on the Petromelidis case.