Russian conscientious objectors, deserters, and prisoners of war are in need of international protection. The statement of anti-war initiatives to the European Commission and the European Parliament

We, together with the Russian human rights defenders, are asking to develop frameworks for providing conscientious objectors, deserters, and prisoners of war that object to the war in Ukraine with international protection, as well as to create guidelines for establishing suitable visa procedures for the categories of Russian citizens mentioned above for the purpose of their transit to the EU countries, and aid the specialised organisations and initiatives which evacuate those people from Russia.

The statement is going to be sent to both the European Commission and the European Parliament. Furthermore, we are planning to arrange several meetings with the MEPs to discuss the possibilities for the implementation of our proposals.

The Youth Democratic Movement Vesna is the initiator of the statement. At this point, more than 60 Russian, European, and international organisations, have signed the statement. This list includes The Project Podderzhka politzakliuchennikh. Memorial, The Movement of Conscientious Objectors, The Autonomous Non-Profit Human Rights Organisation Shkola Prizyvnika, The Anti-War Project Idite lesom, inTransit, the Berlin Anti-War Initiative, The Ark, European Bureau for Conscientious Objection (EBCO), War Resisters’ International (WRI), WOT Foundation, and other initiatives.

The full statement can be found on our website: https://vesna.democrat/2023/07/16/rossijskie-soznatelnye-otkazchik/ And also on the website of The Congress of Antiwar Initiatives: antiwar.in/protectionofobjectors.

To sign the statement on behalf of a Russian or and international initiative, fill in the form: http://forms.gle/5qW7XoNqs1U8QbpT8

Do not forget to share the statement. It helps to raise awareness.

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