EBCO’s Annual Report Urges Safeguards for Conscientious Objectors in Europe

On Friday, 6th June, the European Bureau for Conscientious Objection (EBCO) released its Annual Report on Conscientious Objection to Military Service in Europe, reviewing key developments related to conscientious objection and conscription across the continent in 2024. The report underscores the urgent need to protect and support conscientious objectors amid a global rise in militarisation — from the reintroduction of conscription and soaring military expenditures to the devastating toll of ongoing wars.

Read the full report here or browse by country here.

This year’s report documents persistent violations of conscientious objectors’ rights - particularly in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Türkiye, Cyprus and Greece - and emerging threats to the right to conscientious objection under the Council of Europe framework. 

The report concludes with concrete recommendations: full recognition of the human right to conscientious objection to military service in all countries, genuine civilian alternative service, asylum and protection for all objectors in danger of being persecuted or forced to participate in armed conflict, and alignment of national laws with international human rights standards. 

About the Annual Report

Each year, EBCO publishes its Annual Report on Conscientious Objection to Military Service in Europe, drawing on contributions from national governments, human rights institutions, NGOs, and solidarity networks. The report is presented to the European Parliament, the Parliamentary Assembly and Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, and relevant state authorities - each time accompanied by a set of targeted recommendations.

Find the full press release by EBCO here.