Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Warrior Nation Podcast: "International anti-militarism: Ukrainian war resisters (SE5 EP3)"

(14.03.2024) Warrior Nation returns with a series exploring the work of leading anti-militarist organisations from around the world. With wars raging in Gaza, Ukraine and beyond, platforming critical voices has never been more important. In this episode, we’re talking with Marah Frech who works in the executive office of Connection e.V., a German anti-militarist group supporting deserters and resisters. We’re exploring this new front of struggle which exists at the intersection of war, migration and asylum.

Two years after the start of the war: PRO ASYL and Connection e.V. criticise asylum rejections of Russian refusers

(21.02.2024) Two years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) continues to reject Russian refusers and obliges them to return to Russia. Connection e.V. and PRO ASYL are alarmed by the BAMF’s reasoning, which ignores the risk for Russian refusers of being recruited in a war that violates international law.

Russians refusing to go to war

What are the chances of protection and asylum?

(20.02.2024) Connection e.V. and PRO ASYL have repeatedly called for a change in the decision-making practice of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) with regard to deserters and military draft evaders, especially those from Russia. In an analysis published a year ago, it was stated that deserters from Russia could be granted protection, but not the vast majority of military draft evaders who had already evaded recruitment in Russia. The government repeatedly pointed out that the BAMF’s decision-making practice should be reviewed.

Ukraine: Answers to questions about conscientious objection, recruitment and residence in Germany

(31.01.2024) Since the Russian attack, over 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and 130,000 seriously injured. The recapture of the territories occupied by Russia has not yet been successful. To fill the gaps in the army, which is currently estimated at 800,000 soldiers, Ukraine is now trying to recruit 450,000 to 500,000 new soldiers. Even many who consider the war to be justified see themselves merely as cannon fodder in this war of position and attrition from which they want to escape. They, their relatives and the German public are therefore increasingly sending enquiries to Connection e.V., which we hereby answer.