Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Soldier, Soldier

A new music video by Russian artist Manizha

(31.03.2022) “Soldier, soldier, you’re somebody’s brother, son and father, not a toy in somebody’s hands.” A new music video by the brilliant and controversial Russian artist, Manizha, released on her YouTube channel on March 13, 2022, was timed to coincide with the day’s protests. It is timed, also, to come just before the spring conscription, when Russia’s newest recruits will be offered contracts to serve in a foreign war. The choreography of “Soldier, Soldier” is hauntingly reminiscent of 1920’s German dance, of expressionist anti-war pieces by Kurt Joos or Mary Wigman.

Why banning men from leaving Ukraine violates their human rights

(08.03.2022) As Ukraine scrambles to defend itself from Russia’s illegal invasion, men aged 18 to 60 have been banned from leaving the country. The declaration of martial law in Ukraine gives the government power to enact this ban, but it is not in keeping with human rights or humanitarian norms. So, what is actually happening in Ukraine and what does the law say?

Call to Belarusian Men to Refuse Recruitment to Fight for Russia in Ukraine

(02.03.2022) I am requesting you to support our campaign «No Means No», dedicated to sending Belarusian soldiers to the war in Ukraine on the side of Russia, executed by the regime of Aliaksandr Lukashenka. Today a mass mobilization of Belarusian men in the age from 18 to 58 to the Belarusian army is under way: draft notices are arriving demanding to appear on March 4-9, 2022. According to an unconfirmed report received from a Belarusian military, Aliaksandr Lukashenka is planning to urgently call up for military service about 35-40 thousand Belarusian men.

US style-invasions are morally indefensible, even when other countries do it

(02.03.2022) To the Russian troops now attempting to occupy Ukraine–tens of thousands of whom are barely-trained and unwilling conscripts: Follow your conscience. Lay down your weapons. Go home, or attempt to get refugee status.

To the peoples of Ukraine: Nonviolent civilian-based defense is likely the optimal strategy for standing up to and driving out invading forces. This Russian military was designed for destruction, not occupation. They can be defeated by people-power resistance.

To the government of Ukraine: Stop forcing all men between the ages of 18-60 to fight. Respect war resisters and conscientious objectors, even in these dark times. Allow all men to seek refuge elsewhere, not just women and children.