Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Connection e.V. - About Us

Many countries practice forceful recruitment for war. Objectors are discriminated against and persecuted. Connection e.V., an association founded in 1993, advocates a comprehensive right to conscientious objection at an international level. The organisation collaborates with groups opposing war, conscription and the military. Beyond Europe, our network extends to Turkey, the U.S., Israel, Latin America and Africa.

The danger of prosecution has forced many conscientious objectors to leave their countries. However, prosecution as a conscientious objector is usually not recognized as a reason for asylum. Connection e.V. demands that conscientious objectors from war regions should get asylum. We offer counseling and information to refugees and support for their self-organization.

Turkey and Conscientious Objection: Stop the Civil Death!

Gallery about the action in Frankfurt am Main May 15, 2021

(15.05.2021) Today, about 40 people made a protest action on the square Hauptwache against the persecution of conscientious objectors in Turkey, which still exists. "Conscientious objection is a human right. Turkey must also recognise this!" said Rudi Friedrich of Connection e.V. today. "The Turkish government turns a blind eye to various rulings of the European Court of Human Rights and subjects conscientious objectors in the country to lifelong persecution. This is unacceptable! However, it is an example of the Turkish government’s policy of waging war in neighbouring countries and harshly persecuting criticism and opposition through various criminal offences."

Celebrating the International Day of Conscientious Objection 2020

A colourful video collection to May 15 is online now !

(15.05.2020) Today, on May 15, the International Day of Conscientious Objection, Connection e.V. and War Resisters’ International present numerous video clips from all over the world on our YouTube channel Refuse to Kill. “We received contributions from many countries that deal with varied aspects of conscientious objection, from North and South America, from Asia, from Africa, and from Europe”, says  Rudi Friedrich from Connection e.V. “It is a clear commitment against war and participation in war.”

Two days to go until the International Day of Conscientious Objection

A colourful variety on our YouTube channel Refuse to Kill

(13.05.2020) Connection e.V. and War Resisters’ International had called for videos to be sent to May 15, 2020, the International Day of Conscientious Objection. These will be made public on May 15 from 8:00 a.m. on the YouTube channel Refuse to Kill (www.youtube.com/channel/UC0WZGT6i5HO14oLAug2n0Nw). "The contributions from all over the world are varied and colorful," said Igor Seke for War Resisters’ International. Rudi Friedrich from the German based organization Connection e.V. added: “This year, with the International Day of Conscientious Objection, we particularly draw attention to those who have to leave their countries of origin due to forced recruitment and who are looking for protection in other countries."