Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Looking Back on 2024

While Turkey Insisting on not to recognise the right to conscientious objection, we need your support

(09.12.2024) Dear fellows,

As we approach the end of 2024, we are pleased to send you our annual report summarizing our work over the past months and the experiences of conscientious objectors in Turkey. In this report, you will find a summary of the activities we have carried out throughout 2024 and the developments regarding the right to conscientious objection. We would be glad if you share our report within your own network and interested contacts.

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.

UN Human Rights Committee Calls on Turkey: Recognise the Right to Conscientious Objection

(11.11.2024) Dear fellows, I am sending this e-mail to inform you about a recent observation by the UN Human Rights Committee. The UN Human Rights Committee considered Turkey’s second periodic report and reports from different civil society organizations during its meetings in October and issued its concluding observations in a document on 7 November 2024.

Advocacy at the UN and much more, July till October 2024

Reporting on Bolivia, Greece, Turkey, Kyrgysztan and other countries

(06.11.2024) Zaira Zafarana, international advocacy coordinator of Connection e.V. raised the issue of conscientious objection to military service in different countries during the 57^th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. She took the floor in the plenary of the Council on several occasions. Furthermore, she submitted country-based reports to UN mechanisms for upcoming reviews and reporting to the council.