May 15th, International Conscientious Objection Day: Solidarity with COs from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine

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.

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we keep getting reports of conscientious objectors refusing to fight and get involved in this war. Groups like the Movement of Conscientious Objectors in Russia and the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement have been sharing their calls for peace and repeating their refusal to take up arms. There are many others seeking refuge in other countries to avoid being conscripted or as deserters. 

On this International Conscientious Objection Day, we will share their messages of peace and your messages of solidarity with them. 

Join us on this day of solidarity with COs from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine! Post your messages of solidarity with COs from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine on social media with the hashtag #CODay.

Share the statements of the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement (UPM) and the Movement of Conscientious Objectors in Russia (MCOR) and spread their word.

Click here for the statement of the UPM. 

Click here for the statement of the MCOR.

A coalition of groups and organizations internationally launched a campaign, Get Out!, to support those in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine who oppose, desert or refuse to go to war. Help us spread this campaign further to reach out more young people in these countries. Click here to find more information.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for further updates and content you can share from Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

Contact us via info@wri-irg.org for any further questions.