We, the participants and organizers of the Belarusian advocacy campaign “No Means No”, demand an immediate end to the forced militarization of Belarusian citizens and the restoration of fundamental human rights, which are being gravely violated under the militaristic and repressive policies of the Belarusian state.

Belarus systematically and massively violates its international human rights obligations — including the right of Belarusian men to conscientious objection to military service, freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and protection from forced labor. In response, we put forward the following clear and unequivocal demands:

1. End the forced militarization of children and youth in Belarus

• Immediately abolish all military-patriotic clubs, cadet schools, military summer camps, and military instruction in the general education system of Belarus.
• Prohibit any military or security forces from accessing civilian schools and educational institutions.

2. Raise the minimum age of admission to the Minsk Suvorov Military School to comply with international standards

• Stop classifying students of military academies as active Belarusian military personnel.

3. Ensure the right to conscientious objection to military service in Belarus

• This right must be guaranteed to all citizens, regardless of the nature of their beliefs — religious, ethical, or philosophical.
• It must be applicable at any stage, including conscription, contractual service, and military reserve.

4. Reform the law on alternative service in Belarus

• Guarantee that alternative service is not punitive in nature, is not under military control, and is offered on equal and non-discriminatory terms compared to military service.

5. Repeal repressive provisions of the Belarusian Criminal Code

• Immediately repeal Articles 369.1, 289.1, and 375.2, which restrict freedom of expression and the legitimate work of human rights and civil society organizations.

6. Repeal provisions of Law No. 363.3 that violate freedom of movement in Belarus

• Eliminate travel restrictions, the requirement for Belarusians abroad to return in order to renew passports, and other provisions that violate the right to privacy, education, and employment.

7. Establish an independent and impartial body to review exemption from military service on medical grounds in Belarus

8. End the use of the “People’s Militia” law in Belarus

• Ensure that no citizen is compelled to perform civilian duties in violation of ILO Convention No. 29 on the prohibition of forced labor.

9. Enact a legal ban on the recruitment of Belarusian citizens into foreign armed forces, particularly:

• The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

10. Abolish all employer obligations in Belarus related to conscription, military registration, and financing of employees’ military service

11. Completely abolish the death penalty in Belarus

• Including for military personnel charged with desertion or treason.
• Repeal Article 356 of the Belarusian Criminal Code.

12. Revoke the denunciation of the First Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights

• Immediately restore the right of individuals to submit complaints to the UN Human Rights Committee.

We declare: the participation of Belarusians in the war in Ukraine is not a duty — it is a crime.
The refusal of Belarusian men to kill is a basic human right that cannot be taken away by Alexander Lukashenko, the army, or the KGB.

No Means No.

Related articles:

“Our House” Contributes to Writing UN Report on Conscientious Objectors to Military Service Ukrainian and Belarusian women support the campaign “NO Means NO”, record their video appeals and spread them on the social media European Bureau for Conscientious Objection demands to grant protection and asylum for Olga Karach No Means No – to the War in Ukraine Our House signed a petition in defence of Russian conscientious objectors and deserters along with 38 organisations The campaign of discrediting and attacks against Our House continues