International Conscientious Objection Day

Protection and asylum for all those from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine who refuse military service Action week around the International Conscientious Objection Day

War is a crime against humanity. We condemn Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine, which is contrary to international law and has led to hundreds of thousands of deaths and injuries and millions of refugees. Those who are sent to the front by their governments are particularly affected.

On April 17, 2022, Ukrainian pacifists adopted a statement reposted here, together with an interview with Yurii Sheliazhenko, executive secretary of the movement.

Every year on 15th May, the International Conscientious Objection Day, we organise solidarity with conscientious objectors (COs) and draw attention to their resistance to war. This year, with the ongoing war in Ukraine, we have a particular focus on the resistance of conscientious objectors from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

On the occasion of May 15 – International Day of Conscientious Objection, Women in Black organised an antimilitarist action in Belgrade (Knez Mihailova Street near the restaurant Ruski car) “NO to military service – YES to conscientious objection!”

International Conscientious Objection Day (CO Day), 15th May, was celebrated with actions and events by activists from around the world in solidarity with those who have and those who continue to resist war. This year we had a particular focus on Turkey.

Date and Time: 14th May, 3:30pm BST, 4:30pm CEST, 5:30pm Turkey.
Our next webinar marks International Conscientious Objection Day and focuses on Turkey. Join us on 14th May (4:30pm CEST) and be part of our discussion with conscientious objectors and campaigners from Turkey.

Every year on 15th May, the International Conscientious Objection Day, we organise solidarity with conscientious objectors (COs) and draw attention to their resistance to war. This year we have a particular focus on Turkey – working closely with the Conscientious Objection Association - Turkey (VR-DER).

On this page, you are able to find a number of useful resources on conscientious objection in Turkey. We will continue to update this page during April and May with new content and resources.

International Conscientious Objection Day (CO Day), 15th May, was celebrated with actions and events by activists from around the world. This year, due to Covid-19, the actions took place mostly online.

Today is International Conscientious Objection Day! Activists from across different countries are taking actions to celebrate this day. Find a list of events/actions happening on this day below.

Today, 15th May, is International Conscientious Objection Day! This year, War Resisters’ International office, together with Connection e.V., has organised an online action, calling for your video messages celebrating this day, sharing your stories as conscientious objectors (COs), or your messages of solidarity with COs around the world.

This Friday, 15th May, is International Conscientious Objection Day. This year, War Resisters’ International office, together with Connection e.V., has called for an online action, calling for your video messages celebrating this day, sharing your stories as conscientious objectors (COs) as well as your solidarity messages with COs.