International Organizations: Ukraine Must Stop the Persecution of Conscientious Objector Yurii Sheliazhenko

Several international human rights organizations have expressed serious concern over the continued persecution of Ukrainian peace activist and conscientious objector Yurii Sheliazhenko. He is currently facing an immediate threat of arrest and forced mobilization into the Ukrainian army, which constitutes a violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.

Around Christmas, Yurii Sheliazhenko received a summons to a military office, which he formally appealed. In response, he received official letters from several state authorities stating that Ukraine does not recognize the right to conscientious objection during wartime. The Secretariat of the parliamentary committee on human rights stated in its reply that mobilization is “the only necessary measure” and that the option of alternative civilian service is excluded.

International legal standards explicitly prohibit such practices. Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights stipulates that the right to conscientious objection must not be restricted, even in times of emergency or war. Reports by the United Nations and the Council of Europe warn that some Ukrainian conscientious objectors have already been tortured or imprisoned.

The organizations warn that the criminalization of conscientious objection undermines democratic principles and endangers individuals who advocate nonviolent alternatives to warfare. Sheliazhenko, who has publicly expressed his conscientious objection since 1998, is also the target of accusations of allegedly “justifying Russian aggression” because of his pacifist views, in which he has clearly condemned the Russian invasion and called for nonviolent resistance.

Sheliazhenko’s case has been addressed by United Nations Special Rapporteurs and highlighted in reports by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) as well as Amnesty International.

International organizations are calling on the Ukrainian authorities to cease the persecution of conscientious objectors immediately, drop the charges against Sheliazhenko, and ensure respect for human rights in line with international obligations. They also urge the international community to protect peace activists, including access to asylum when they are at risk in their home country.