Posted: July 22, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we at the International Peace Bureau (IPB) join our colleagues at Connection e.V. and the international peace community in mourning the tragic passing of Rudi Friedrich, longtime Managing Director of Connection e.V., and a steadfast friend, colleague, and advocate in the global struggle for peace and conscientious objection.
Rudi passed away earlier this week in a tragic accident during a hike in the mountains near Como, Italy, while on holiday. He is survived by his wife and family, to whom we send our heartfelt condolences.
Rudi’s absence leaves an immeasurable void—not only in the organization he helped shape, but also in the broader international movement for the rights of conscientious objectors, deserters, and asylum seekers who refuse to participate in war and militarism. As a visible and quiet force behind much of the progress in this field, Rudi was a connector, a mentor, and a friend to many. (Reference: Press Release concerning the death of Rudi Friedrich, by Connection e.V.)
A Message from Olga Karach, Our House, Belarus
“Rudi did so much for us — for our cause, for Belarusian men, for peace. His support was quiet, but unwavering. His presence gave us strength in the darkest moments.”
In a powerful tribute, Belarusian human rights defender Olga Karach shared her profound grief and gratitude:
“When the war in Ukraine began, we found ourselves facing an impossible moral choice. We chose to act—to prevent the Belarusian army from joining Putin’s war.
I had never thought about the rights of men to refuse war. As a feminist, this was new terrain. But in the uncertainty of that beginning, one person stood beside us—quietly, but firmly: Rudi Friedrich.
He didn’t raise his voice or give orders. He simply listened, and said:
‘Belarusians also have the right not to go to war. Not only Russians. Not only Ukrainians. Belarusians too.’That sentence—so simple, and yet so radical—helped us carry on.
Now that shoulder is gone. And I find myself weeping, not only for the loss of a friend, but for the weight we still must carry, now without him.
Rest in peace, dear Rudi. You will always be with us — in every word we speak, in every man we help, in every ‘No’ that echoes against the madness of war.”
Honoring His Legacy
From Germany to Turkey, from Ukraine to Belarus and beyond, Rudi dedicated decades of his life to standing with those who refused to participate in war. He worked with courage and compassion to protect conscientious objectors from persecution and to raise awareness of militarism’s human cost. His commitment to nonviolence and human dignity extended across borders and generations.
We at IPB had the honor of working closely with Rudi through the years. At our Seán MacBride Peace Prize Ceremony in March 2024, we remembered and honored his tireless efforts for conscientious objectors from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Turkey.
In his own words:
“We are all against war, against destruction, against killing and against militarisation. It is so important to take a stand against wars—and against this war in Ukraine.
We demand: Stop the killing now!”
— Rudi Friedrich, Séan MacBride Peace Prize 2022 & 2023
Read his full speech here.
A Loss Felt Around the World
As Vicdani Ret Derneği (Conscientious Objection Watch) wrote in their tribute:
“This is a huge loss for the international anti-war and conscientious objection movement. We will continue to resist war and conscription with the inspiration and courage Rudi gave us.”
Indeed, his life’s work will remain a guiding light for all of us in the peace and disarmament movement. We will carry forward the vision he championed—of a world where no one is forced to fight, and where saying “no” to war is a protected human right.
In Solidarity
On behalf of the International Peace Bureau, we extend our deepest condolences to Rudi’s family, friends, and the team at Connection e.V. May his memory continue to inspire action, courage, and peace.
Rest in peace, Rudi. Thank you for everything.