Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

"I believed I would find protection in Europe"

Joint Statement

(14.02.2025) On 16 February 2023, in the resolution ‘One year of Russia’s invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine’, the EU Parliament demanded that Member States provide protection for conscientious objectors and deserters fleeing Belarus, Russia, and occupied Ukraine. However, this is not guaranteed in most Member States.

Clear Demand for Asylum in the Face of a Refusal of Aggressive Warfare

(18.11.2024) Since February 2022, approximately 5,400 Russian men aged between 18 and 45 have applied for asylum in Germany. Only a small fraction of these applications has been granted. These individuals are fleeing an unlawful military deployment and therefore should receive protection against potential persecution.

Pre-announcement: Planned speaking tour of activists from Turkey (February-March 2025)

(12.11.2024) In order to discuss the current situation of the right to conscientious objection to military service in Turkey, strategies of resistance against conscription and war, and to strengthen international solidarity, Conscientious Objection Watch is planning a speaking tour in cooperation with peace and conscientious objection organizations in Europe. If you would like to get more information contact us at contact@vicdaniret.org.

Committee of Ministers of the European Council urges Turkey to recognize the right of conscientious objection

(13.06.2024) The Committee of Ministers DEEPLY REGRETTED that three of the applicants in these cases (Osman Murat Ülke, Yunus Erçep and Ersin Ölgün) are still considered draft evaders and continue to face the threat of criminal and administrative proceedings. STRONGLY URGED the authorities therefore to take without further delay all necessary measures to put an end to the violation of the applicants’ rights.