Image - COs arriving in a refugee camp in Germany - #ObjectWarCampaign
We will hear from peace campaigners across Europe about their work supporting and counselling conscientious objectors (COs), as well as from several COs who have escaped conscription in Russia and Ukraine.
With speakers including:
- Mikheil Elizbarashvili - peace campaigner from Georgia, working for the Peace and Service Network
- Juergen Menzel - peace campaigner from Germany, working at AFPB Germany
- Russian and Ukrainian conscientious objectors - we will hear from several COs who have managed to escape Russia and Ukraine (names withheld for their security)
After hearing about their experiences, there will be a chance to ask questions. We will also discuss what we, in the UK, can do to support their struggles.
When
Tuesday 9th December, 6pm (UK time)
Join online
Register in advance for the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/AAMm_lCdSuKne7eRHM-j6Q
Join in person
If you're London, you're welcome to come to the PPU office (directions below) where we will gather to join the speakers online. Please come any time from 5.30pm for a 6pm start. After the event has finished, we'll host an informal social event with other PPU members and supporters in the office - please do stay on for this if you're able!
The PPU Office is at Peace Pledge Union, 1 Peace Passage, London, N7 0BT.
Look out for an alleyway (Peace Passage) to the right of Brecknock Dental. Ring the buzzer at the gate.
Event organised by members of the UK organising group for International Conscientious Objectors' Day: Anglican Pacifist Fellowship, Conscience: Taxes For Peace Not War, Fellowship of Reconciliation, ForcesWatch, Movement for the Abolition of War, Network for Peace, Pax Christi, Peace & Justice (Scotland), Peace Pledge Union, Quakers in Britain, The Right to Refuse to Kill Group, War Resisters' International and Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom
More information
As the war in Ukraine rages on, a huge number of people from both Russia and Ukraine are refusing to fight. According to some estimates, hundreds of thousands of people have fled both countries to avoid conscription.
The penalties for becoming a conscientious objector are severe. In Ukraine, where men aged 18-60 have been banned from leaving the country and martial law eliminates the right to alternatives to military service, COs can be sent to prison, though several have been given suspended sentences.
In Russia, COs face up to ten years imprisonment. There are reports of large numbers of COs detained without trial in Russian-controlled Ukraine, where they face appalling conditions and threats of torture and execution.