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Refusing to Kill: Statements of Conscientious Objectors

On the occasion of International Conscientious Objection Day, we are sharing the voices of conscientious objectors from around the world — individuals who have taken a stand against war and militarism by refusing to serve in the armed forces.

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

On Friday, 6th June, 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.

Logos of the initiating organisations

Europe: Joint Call to the EU for Protection of Conscientious Objectors

Several organisations worldwide stand in solidarity with those who refuse to kill and engage in wars and are for this reason persecuted, criminalised and jailed. The undersigned organizations -active also at the European level- address a specific appeal to the European institutions and Member States to protect and fully implement the right to conscientious objection to military service.

Members of the French military on parade. In the background a French flag is flying

Who is threatening who?

What should we name as “threats”? What criteria should we use to analyse threats? How do we come to perceive something as threatening? How can we decipher language aimed at public opinion concerning real risks? Many questions confront anyone seeking to draw up an inventory of threats.