On Tuesday, 9 December, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the  webinar ‘Europe is rearming once again: is our right to Conscentious Objection at risk?’, organised by the Quaker Council for European Affairs (QCEA), Pax Christi International, Pax Christi Scotland, Pax Christi Italy, Connection e.V., Un ponte per ETS and War Resisters’ International took place online.

The event brought together activists, experts, and conscientious objectors to assess the current situation in Europe and beyond, at a time when military spending is rising and several European countries are considering reintroducing or expanding conscription, while the fundamental right to conscientious objection is coming under renewed pressure.

Thanks to the valuable contributions of the speakers, we were able to analyse an overview of the current political situation in several countries around the world, where the rights of conscientious objectors are restricted or under threat. We explored international standards and discussed how civil society can respond collectively to ensure that the right to refuse to kill is protected.

Through direct exchange with the speakers, the participants were able to gain a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by conscientious objectors today, deepen their knowledge of the legal frameworks in place in different countries, and reflect on the role that civil society can play in defending and promoting the right to Conscientious Objection.

Speakers

🔹Andreas Michos: Member of the Greek Association of Conscientious Objectors and Conscientious Objector

🔹Merve Arkun: Coordinator at Conscientious Objection Watch – click here for the slides

🔹Zaira Zafarana: International Advocacy Officer, Connection e.V. – click here for the slides

🔹Yan Kormilitsyn: Conscientious Objector from Ukraine – click here for the slides

🔹Yona Roseman: Conscientious Objector from Israel

 

Video recording