Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Substitute payment, denaturalisation, withdrawal and asylum

An overview

(06.02.2024) All male Turkish citizens are subject to compulsory military service, which in Turkey applies indefinitely, even though the law limits the age of military service from 20 to 41 years (Art.3a) (1). They are often unaware of the options for avoiding military service. Here we want to present the current status as of 2024. The conditions for replacement payment and deferment differ depending on whether you live in Turkey or abroad.

Ukraine: Answers to questions about conscientious objection, recruitment and residence in Germany

(31.01.2024) Since the Russian attack, over 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and 130,000 seriously injured. The recapture of the territories occupied by Russia has not yet been successful. To fill the gaps in the army, which is currently estimated at 800,000 soldiers, Ukraine is now trying to recruit 450,000 to 500,000 new soldiers. Even many who consider the war to be justified see themselves merely as cannon fodder in this war of position and attrition from which they want to escape. They, their relatives and the German public are therefore increasingly sending enquiries to Connection e.V., which we hereby answer.

Belarus: „Helping conscientious objectors costs less than any missile“

(09.12.2023) We help conscientious objectors and deserters, but it’s very challenging. They’re not welcome anywhere. Today, those who refuse to take up arms and do not want to go to the front - conscientious objectors and deserters - have become criminals.

Submission to the High Commissioner of the Human Rights Council

Report on Conscientious objection to military service and asylum

(05.10.2023) Dear Sirs and Madams,

We are very grateful for being given the opportunity to hand over a submission to the High Commissioner’s report on “conscientious objection to military service” to the Human Rights Council, under resolution 51/6. As a non-governmental organization assisting conscientious objectors internationally, we have focused our submission on the questions of conscientious objection to military service and asylum, especially given the current war in Ukraine.