Many countries practice forceful recruitment for war. Objectors are discriminated against and persecuted. Connection e.V., an association founded in 1993, advocates a comprehensive right to conscientious objection at an international level. The organisation collaborates with groups opposing war, conscription and the military. Beyond Europe, our network extends to Turkey, the U.S., Israel, Latin America and Africa.
The danger of prosecution has forced many conscientious objectors to leave their countries. However, prosecution as a conscientious objector is usually not recognized as a reason for asylum. Connection e.V. demands that conscientious objectors from war regions should get asylum. We offer counseling and information to refugees and support for their self-organization.
Connection e.V. is starting a new systematic work at the United Nations in Geneva
(16.04.2024) Starting in May 2024, Connection e.V. will begin a new systematic work to support conscientious objectors within the United Nations System in Geneva with its new consultant Zaira Zafarana. "We are very pleased," said Rudi Friedrich, Director of the conscientious objection network Connection e.V., today, "that the important work for the human right to conscientious objection to military service at the UN in Geneva can now be significantly strengthened again and further developed."
Call to action for the International Day of Conscientious Objection (May 15)
Conscientious objection is a human right. Conscientious objectors to military service need asylum
(08.04.2024) We are organising rallies and demonstrations in front of government institutions of warring states, vigils in front of monuments to deserters and other creative actions at various locations during the week of 15 May, the "International Day of Conscientious Objection" - from 13 to 19 May 2024. We emphasise: Conscientious objection is a human right!
Now on the YouTube channel @RefusetoKill: Conversations with the Russian conscientious objectors Danil and Vladimir
"Those who are against the war waged by Putin’s regime should speak out together in public"
(24.01.2024) In October 2023, Connection e.V. interviewed the two conscientious objectors Danil and Vladimir from Russia. The interviews were conducted in Russian and can now be streamed on the YouTube channel (at)RefusetoKill. Both English and German subtitles are available.
