Category: CAMPAIGN

Connection e.V. advocates at the OSCE in Warsaw for the right to conscientious objection to military service

Between 7th and 16th October 2025, the «Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights» of the «Organization for Security and Co—operation in Europe» organized the «Conference on the Human Dimension» in Warsaw. It was a ten—day conference with plenary sessions and side events addressing issues from across the OSCE—area. «Connection e.V.» participated in the Conference and advocated there for the right to conscientious objection to military service.

On 16 October, «Connection e.V.» organized a side event on the right to conscientious objection to military service. The event was co—hosted with the Russian «Movement of Conscientious Objectors» as well as with «Conscientious Objection Watch» from Türkiye.

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REPORT • CONNECTION e.V. ON TOUR THROUGH AUSTRIA AND GERMANY!

At the end of October, «Connection e.V.» carried out an intensive tour through Austria and Germany. Thanks to the support of our colleagues, we were able to organise events in a total of eight cities.

During the meetings, Artem Klyga, our Eastern Europe Coordinator, spoke together with his colleagues from the Russian Â«Movement of Conscientious Objectors» (also known as the «Stoparmy Movement»), the lawyers Sasza Belik and Katja Dikowskaja. We engaged with a wide variety of audiences ⸻ from students and peace activists to politicians and legal professionals ⸻ discussing:

⸻ how the situation of conscientious objectors is developing,

⸻ how Russian legislation and administrative practice have changed,

⸻ whether deserters and conscientious objectors can obtain protection in Europe and what decisions migration authorities and courts are making,

⸻ and what objectors can expect after the end of the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Many thanks to everyone who attended, asked questions, joined the discussions, shared their experiences, and supported us.

A special thank you goes to our colleagues in Vienna, Idstein, Stetten, Offenburg, Mainz, Hamburg, Bremen, and Rostock for their help in organising the events.

We continue our work ⸻ together. And we look forward to seeing you at our next events!