“We can win in this war only if we DO NOT abandon our values, only if we DO NOT agree with the narrative that a real man is only a man with a weapon in his hands, only if we DO NOT agree with the narrative that a man without a weapon is weak.” – Olga Karach participated in a solemn event dedicated to the International Conscientious Objection Day in Berlin.
On this year’s International Conscientious Objection Day, 30 organizations from Europe called for the protection of all those who refuse military service in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. At the solemn event, approximately 50,000 signatures from the #ObjectWarCampaign, demanding political asylum for Belarusian, Russian, and Ukrainian conscientious objectors and deserters in the European Union, collected on an online platform, were handed over to the European Commission in Berlin. During the petition presentation, there were speeches delivered by both local representatives and international guests from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. In addition, various complementary actions were organized alongside the event.
I agree with your strong statement, dear Olga Karach.
If we humans cleave to our values of mutual care, protection, respect, and love; if we note that a person is deeply compromised when they present with a weapon in their hands, then we will have won something of unending value.
I bow to you and Our House in friendship from the Shenandoah Valley of the United States, Kathleen Temple