Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Ukraine: Conscientious objectors sentenced to several years in prison

(05.07.2022) In May and June 2022, at least two conscientious objectors in Ukraine were sentenced to suspended prison terms for several years. This became known through the publication of the sentences in the State Register on Court Sentences in Ukraine. Both conscientious objectors had declared their conscientious objection before the Military Commissariat. In one case, they were sentenced to three years’ imprisonment suspended for one year, and in the other to four years’ imprisonment suspended for two years. Since both can be called up again, they are thus threatened with serving the long prison sentence already handed down and being sentenced again.

Europe-wide call for protection and asylum for deserters and conscientious objectors from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine

Appeal to European Parliament and Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe

(09.06.2022) In a joint appeal to members of the European Parliament and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, a broad civil society alliance from 20 countries has called on the European governments to grant protection and asylum to Russian and Belarusian as well as Ukrainian conscientious objectors and deserters. They need immediate protection and asylum.

German Federal Ministry of Interior assures Russian deserters of protection

Military service evaders from Russia excluded from protection pledge

(19.05.2022) The conscientious objection network Connection e.V. and PRO ASYL welcome the statement of the Ministry of the Interior that Russian deserters are assured protection. At the same time, the organizations point out that protection assurances are still lacking: For military service evaders from Russia, for conscientious objectors and military service deserters from Belarus and Ukraine.

Resolution of German parliament raises hopes for Russian deserters that will not be fulfilled

(29.04.2022) The current restrictive recognition practice of German authorities for deserters prevents them from receiving protection here. In order for the resolution of German parliament of April 28, 2022, to take effect, the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the BAMF must now immediately change their practices, PRO ASYL and Connection e.V. demand.