Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Decision of the European Court of Justice in the case of U.S. AWOL soldier André Shepherd

Connection e.V. and PRO ASYL: Much that is negative and little that is positive in the outcome

(26.02.2015) The network for conscientious objection Connection e.V. and PRO ASYL criticize today’s decision by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in the case of U.S. AWOL soldier André Shepherd (37) as insufficient and in part quite incomprehensible in its argumentation. “The ruling by the ECJ does not strengthen the position of conscientious objectors and deserters in political-asylum proceedings. The Court avoided some fundamental questions, and answered others unacceptably, contrary to the opinion submitted by the Advocate-General.” said Rudi Friedrich of Connection e.V.

Conscientious objection: Punishment and discriminatory treatment

(15.05.2014) Not all States recognise the right to conscientious objection; and even where it is recognised in principle, the provisions or the way they are applied may exclude some conscientious objectors. They may face a wide range of serious implications for their refusal to perform military service. Besides prosecution and imprisonment there are many other kinds of discriminatory treatments. Emily Graham of Quaker United Nations office gives an overwiev.

Conscientious objection to military service

Resolution of UN Human Rights Council

(27.09.2013) ... Recognizing that conscientious objection to military service derives from principles and reasons of conscience, including profound convictions, arising from religious, ethical, humanitarian or similar motives, ...

Turkey: The Current Situation Regarding Conscientious Objectors

Statement to the UN Human Rights Committee

(15.10.2012) Conscientious objection (CO) hasn't been accepted as a human right in Turkey. Conscientious objection is neither regulated as a right nor as an offence. This amounts to a legal ambiguity and conscientious objectors (COs) are charged with offences regulated in the Military Criminal Code, which do not correspond with their actions. Furthermore a vicious circle of being arrested, being sent to prison and released is still in force, with CO Inan SUVER as the latest example.