On August 4, 2023, the International Peace Bureau issued a press release announcing the nomination of the Belarusian human rights organization Our House and its director, Olga Karach, for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024. The nomination is in recognition of their anti-war activities and comprehensive support provided to Belarusian conscientious objectors and deserters, both in Belarus and in European Union countries. The process of preparing all the necessary documents for the nomination is currently underway.

It should be reminded that since March 1, 2022 Our House has initiated a campaign “No mean No” to block the Belarusian army from participating in the war in Ukraine. Ever since, human rights activists have been actively supporting Belarusian men who refuse to join the military and do not want to fight in Ukraine. Currently, also this involves providing support to Belarusian conscientious objectors, who Lithuania perceives as a potential threat to its national security due to their prior military experience.

Alongside Our House, two organizations: from Russia –  Russian Movement of Conscientious Objectors and from Ukraine – Ukrainian Pacifist Movement will be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for their active support of Russian and Ukrainian conscientious objectors and deserters.

The International Peace Bureau has been in consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council since 1977. Additionally, the organization holds Associate Status at the Department of Public Information. The International Peace Bureau also plays a central role in the activities of the  Geneva Non-Governmental Organizations Committee on Disarmament, which is part of the International Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (CONGO) in consultative status with ECOSOC. Similar committees also exist in New York and Vienna. The organization monitors various disarmament negotiations both within and outside the framework of the United Nations.

The link for the news is here.

Our House

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