Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Connection e.V. is starting a new systematic work at the United Nations in Geneva

(16.04.2024) Starting in May 2024, Connection e.V. will begin a new systematic work to support conscientious objectors within the United Nations System in Geneva with its new consultant Zaira Zafarana. "We are very pleased," said Rudi Friedrich, Director of the conscientious objection network Connection e.V., today, "that the important work for the human right to conscientious objection to military service at the UN in Geneva can now be significantly strengthened again and further developed."

Thailand: First conscientious objector challenges the military

(08.04.2024) On 5th April, last Friday, Thai conscientious objector and human rights activist Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal declared his conscientious objection in front of a military conscription centre in Samut Prakarn province, openly stating his beliefs instead of complying with a call-up. His deferment as a student ended this day. He was not arrested. Thailand does not recognise the right to conscientious objection.

Two years after the start of the war: PRO ASYL and Connection e.V. criticise asylum rejections of Russian refusers

(21.02.2024) Two years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) continues to reject Russian refusers and obliges them to return to Russia. Connection e.V. and PRO ASYL are alarmed by the BAMF’s reasoning, which ignores the risk for Russian refusers of being recruited in a war that violates international law.

Ukraine: Tougher recruitment, but no right to conscientious objection

Connection e.V. and DFG-VK concerned about draft law

(08.02.2024) Yesterday, the Ukrainian parliament passed a draft amendment to the law on military service in its first reading that will change recruitment practices in the country. Connection e.V. and the German Peace Society – United War Resisters (DFG-VK) opposes this tightening and call on the Ukrainian government and the European Union to ensure the protection of conscientious objectors.