Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Call to Eritrea to respect the human right to conscientious objection to military service

Statement given at 59th UN Human Rights Council

(16.06.2025) Connection e.V. in partnership with War Resisters International took the floor in the plenary at the opening of the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, to call for the recognition of the right to conscientious objection to military service in Eritrea.

EBCO new annual report on conscientious objection in Europe

A Call to Safeguard the Right to Refuse to Kill and Resist Wars

(06.06.2025) EBCO’s 2024 Annual Report on Conscientious Objection to Military Service in Europe is released at a time of escalating global militarisation. From the revival of conscription in Europe to the devastating impacts of ongoing wars, the protection and empowerment of conscientious objectors is more urgent than ever.

Read the full report here or browse by country.

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.

Refusing to Kill: Statements of Conscientious Objectors

(15.05.2025) On the occasion of International Conscientious Objection Day, we are sharing the voices of conscientious objectors from around the world — individuals who have taken a stand against war and militarism by refusing to serve in the armed forces. These statements, collected from diverse countries and contexts, reflect the conviction and resilience of those who choose peace over violence. In a time of ongoing conflict and growing militarisation, their words remind us of the power of conscience and the importance of protecting the right to refuse to kill.