Editorial

Dear readers of CO-Update.

Welcome to the October issue of CO-Update, with a range of information on conscription and conscientious objection. We even have some good news to report: on 3 September we sent a co-alert on the case of Colombian conscientious objector Cristian Camilo Henao Suaza. We have now been informed by Red Juvenil de Medellin and by Cristian Camilo Henao Suaza himself that he has been released by the military. This shows that national and international solidarity can be successful.

However, many more people all over the world are in a similar situation. While there is a trend to suspend conscription, there are still too many countries that do not recognise the right to conscientious objection, and imprison those claiming their right (see the article on South Korea and on Turkey in this issue). The work and support of organisations such as War Resisters' International thus remains crucial.

To continue to do this work War Resisters' International depends on your donations. We therefore kindly ask you to donate to WRI online at wri-irg.org/en/donate-en.htm.

Andreas Speck