International Conscientious Objection Day - May 15

➡️ INTERNATIONAL CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION DAY, May 15 - Refuse War!

Conscientious Objection Day is dedicated to those who have refused to participate in armed conflict and military structures on moral, ethical, religious, or political grounds.

The day highlights our universal right to peace and individual freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, as recognised by international human rights laws.

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CO Day was first observed in 1982 by Western Europeans who refused compulsory military service. Two years later, in 1985, it was formally adopted by the European Bureau of Conscientious Objectors; it did not take long after this for the day to gain worldwide recognition.

This annual celebration honours the courage it takes to stand up to governments, object to war, and promote non-violent means of resolving conflicts. It is marked across the world with peace vigils, public demonstrations, and seminars, aimed at raising awareness of the role of conscientious objectors in peace-building efforts.

War Resisters’ International continues to promote their international action campaign #RefuseWar! It highlights the increasing danger of militarisation in our societies and stands in solidarity with conscientious objectors worldwide.

As the Ukraine war rages on into its fourth year, we must ensure protection and the right to asylum for all those from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine who refuse mandatory military service.

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The Israeli war in Gaza has prompted a surge in Israeli conscientious objection. Those advocating for peace and coexistence with the Palestinians are known as refuseniks.

They are labelled traitors and risk lengthy prison sentences. In a country where military training is widely considered a rite of passage and part of national identity, pacifism and war resistance are highly stigmatised.

"War is a crime against humanity!" - Pope Francis

Regardless of this, in many countries, there are harsh penalties for pacifists who refuse to bear arms. With increasing numbers refusing to fight, international support is needed more than ever. Conscientious objectors face imprisonment, discrimination, and other serious penalties.

Germany and South Korea are paving the way for a brighter outlook. Here, the right to conscientious objection is recognised, and alternative forms of service, such as civil or community service, are provided.

As there is no universal standard, the disparity in the treatment of conscientious objection raises important questions about human rights and the balance between national security and individual rights.

Throughout history, numerous movements have been significantly shaped by principles of conscientious objection. For instance, during World Wars I and II, the pacifist movements, including notable figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr, emphasised nonviolent resistance and conscientious objection to military service.

The Vietnam War also saw a substantial rise in conscientious objection in the United States, influencing public opinion and policy regarding military drafts. These movements not only challenged attitudes towards war but also contributed to broader social and political reforms.

Conscientious objection is a powerful form of protest. By refusing to serve in the military, we can make a strong political and moral statement against war, the military, and the use of violence to forge peace. High-profile cases also serve as catalysts for public discussions about peace, human rights, and a peace-first approach to conflict resolution.

A modern example in the persecution of conscientious objectors is the ongoing case against Ukrainian peace activist Yurii Sheliazhenko. Yurii is a key member of the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement and a Council Member of the International Peace Bureau.

He has been charged by the Ukrainian government with justifying Russian aggression due to his vocal opposition to any escalation of the conflict. He has openly called for a ceasefire and peace talks to end the conflict. Throughout the war, Ukraine has suppressed peace activism and accused those expressing pacifist views of actually supporting Russia.

The challenges faced by conscientious objectors underscore the need for greater advocacy and legal protections that uphold their rights, promoting tolerance and understanding within societies.

War itself constitutes a tragic failure of diplomacy and politicians, as well as a bloody victory for militarism and war profiteers. Any persecution of those who object to war constitutes a blatant violation of their fundamental human rights.

There is a pressing need for legal reforms to defend and support conscientious objectors worldwide. We must protect our right to #RefuseWar!

Author: Rachael Mellor, 14.05.24, Updated 06.05.26, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

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