Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Human Rights Violations Concerning Mobilization in the Ukrainian Territory

(26.08.2024) Together with its international partner Connection e.V. and local partner Ukrainian Pacifist Movement, WRI expresses serious concern about the violation of the human right to conscientious objection to military service in Ukraine. The organisations are deeply concerned about the ongoing war of aggression of the Russian Federation in Ukraine and the forced mobilization in the occupied territories.

Russia: Deployment of conscripts in the Kursk region

(26.08.2024) Idite Lesom, an organisation that supports deserters from Russia, reports on the situation in the Russian military following the invasion of the Kursk region by Ukrainian troops. The reports are based on a large number of enquiries received by the organisation. On 24 August 2024, Idite Lesom also pointed out that a prisoner exchange of conscripts between Ukraine and Russia had already taken place. This confirms the reports on the use of conscripts in Russia.

Advocacy Newsletter

June 2024

(22.07.2024) Friends, hello everyone! This is Artem Klyga from the Movement of Conscientious Objectors. The FSB, the Russian special service, is very eager to recruit conscripts into their service on their own. To do this, they are making changes to the bylaws. Starting in September, Russian schools will have a lesson with elements of military training, which could negatively affect conscientious objectors to military service. Good news from South Korea: they have granted asylum to the first conscientious objector from Russia. And some good news from Russia: we received some positive decisions from the Russian court. Enjoy reading!

"Adbusting”: Berlin and Helsinki activists demand asylum for conscientious objectors

(11.07.2024) Oops, what are Berlin ad posters doing in Helsinki? And why are they campaigning for asylum for conscientious objectors? The "adbusted" posters are calling for asylum for conscientious objectors from Belarus and Russia. "We are currently in Helsinki to network with antimilitarists from the Baltic Sea region," reports Roderich Supersonnenwetter, spokesperson for the action group (AfKj!). "So close to the border with Russia, it makes sense to send a signal of solidarity for conscientious objection." Roderich Supersonnenwetter says: "Asylum for conscientious objectors from Russia and Belarus is a smart way to make it more difficult for Putin to wage his war in Ukraine!"