OBJECTORS AND PEACEBUILDERS IN RUSSIA, BELARUS AND UKRAINE NEED YOUR HELP

We are working to strengthen the legal defence of conscientious objectors who are risking their lives and freedom because they refuse to kill and are struggling to escape enlistment.

At the same time, we are procuring training, and technical and psychological support for activists, young students, volunteers, teachers and other small groups that are promoting social cohesion in Ukraine or have chosen civil disobedience against the Russian occupation.

 

 

 

 

While the attention of the international community is focused on sending arms and humanitarian aid, we at Un Ponte Per have launched a bridge for civil society in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine to give a voice back to the people and build a lasting peace from the ground up.

Un Ponte Per works towards the prevention of armed conflict and supports those who suffer the consequences. We are committed to a more just and inclusive world, focusing on people and individuals.

Why support conscientious objectors?

There are still many conscientious objectors who need legal assistance and protection.

In Russia, the requests for assistance collected by the Russian Objectors Movement have grown significantly following the general mobilization initiated by Putin.

"Our social media and Telegram channels have seen significant growth since the start of the mobilization on September 21, 2022, going from about 1,500 contacts to 50,000. All these people are reaching out to us for information on how to object and evade military service."

Alexander Belik, Coordinator of the Movement.

"People who write to us on Telegram are primarily women: mothers, sisters, girlfriends. Then, our counselors provide legal and psychological assistance. We help conscientious objectors as well as deserters fleeing the battlefield."

Darya Berg, activist from Go by the Forest, a Russian organization that assists young people in avoiding compulsory enlistment."

 

In Ukraine (between January and July 2022) about 500 men and boys were charged for refusing to enlist. By October 2022, in just three months, the number had nearly doubled to 971.

 

“We have organized a network of legal support and defence for conscientious objectors. We offer them advice on how to answer if they are stopped and what kind of rights they can refer to. We are launching a toll-free number for emergencies and a website. In Russia and Ukraine many people are trying to escape military conscription, despite repression. We must learn to resist violence without further violence"

Yuri Sheliazhenko, executive secretary of the Ukrainian Pacifist Movement.

 

Defend the life and freedom of those who refuse to enlist to kill or be killed. Help us with the legal expenses of a conscientious objector and support those who publicly oppose the war. 

 

 

Why support these Peacebuilders

Thousands of Russian pacifists work every day to spread anti-war messages among the population in their country.

Thousands of young Ukrainians volunteer every day in their country to promote social cohesion, stand up to the language of hatred, ensure that those who speak Russian are not discriminated against, support those who want to escape the areas occupied by Russians and promote non-violent resistance against the occupying forces.

This is the invisible army of peacebuilders, who ask for support but have no voice within the international community.

Since 1991 we have been supporting activists and civil movements, helping them to create greater impact through support and lasting partnerships. Over these years conflicts have multiplied, and so have the bridges of solidarity that we have launched.
They need us today in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, our support and the support of all the people who do not believe in war as a resolution of international disputes.

Help us support the people who are building peace and strengthening social cohesion.

 

 

Find out what your donation can do:

 

 

 

or donate via Bank Transfer
IBAN IT09T0501803200000011007903
BIC SWIFT: ETICIT22