IPB Statements – IPB – International Peace Bureau

Yurii Sheliazhenko*, Conscientious Objector to Military Service and Human Rights Defender, under Immediate Threat

JOINT PRESS RELEASE | 23 January 2026

The undersigned organizations express serious concern regarding the continued persecution of Ukrainian human rights defender Yurii Sheliazhenko, a conscientious objector to military service. He is currently under an alarming threat of being arrested and forcibly conscripted under Ukraine’s system of universal military registration, which is enforced through coercive measures including arbitrary detentions and forced transfers to conscription offices. Such practices effectively compel conscientious objectors to act against their beliefs and directly violate Article 18(2) of the ICCPR, which prohibits coercion impairing freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

In answer to his appeals against the summon recently received at Christmas time, Yurii Sheliazhenko was sent a communication from a number of authorities, all stating in writing that there is not recognition of conscientious objection to military service in Ukraine in times of war. The Secretariat of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights Dmytro Lubinets replied to a related complaint, “mobilization by the State of Ukraine is the only necessary and urgent measure to prevent aggression by another state, during which the possibility of alternative service is excluded (since mobilization itself is aimed not simply at performing military service, but at protecting the Motherland from military invasion by another state). At the same time, the current legislation provides for the liability of persons guilty of violating the legislation on military duty and military service.”

IPB Statement on Iran Protests

The International Peace Bureau (IPB) expresses our deep concern for the situation in Iran, even as the most recent protests are reported to be winding down. The repeated cycle of protests have become more regular and have been met by disproportionate and unacceptable levels of violence against legitimate demands. The thousands of Iranians killed, injured, and arrested during the past month should shock and concern everyone, even while the complete information blackout makes it difficult to determine totals. The IPB unequivocally condemns the violence of the Iranian state against protesters.

Appeal to the Presidents of the Russian Federation and the United States of America

On 5 February 2026, the last nuclear arms control treaty between the USA and Russian Federation, The United States of America and the Russian Federation on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START), which has limited the nuclear arms race – albeit completely inadequately – will expire. There is a danger of an unrestrained arms race, including a nuclear arms race, with far-reaching political, strategic, economic and psychological consequences, leading to even greater confrontation and destabilisation of the already volatile international situation.

No to War, No to Abduction: IPB Calls for Global Opposition to U.S. Intervention in Venezuela

The International Peace Bureau (IPB) firmly condemns the US military strikes in Venezuela, and the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife to stand trial in the US. This illegal act of war has already led to the death of civilians and military personnel alike and risks throwing both Venezuela and the wider Latin American and Caribbean region into greater instability and deeper conflict. Though the US claims that the military intervention is over, we must be wary of continued military and non-military intervention in Venezuela during this sensitive and volatile moment – as we have seen in past instances such as post-Gaddafi Libya, there is likely further instability to come.

Appeal for a Christmastime Peace in Ukraine

As Christmas approaches, the war in Ukraine is still ongoing after nearly four years, with countless lives lost, cities destroyed and grave consequences for the environment. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the war, there are still no signs of a breakthrough. Recent calls for a Christmas ceasefire from Zelenskyy and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz represent a renewed opportunity for an important first step towards peace – a new Christmas Ceasefire. Similar proposals have been made in past years, including by Russia in 2023, without success.

IPB Statement Condemning US Escalation against Venezuela

18 December 2025, Berlin, Germany

The International Peace Bureau (IPB) firmly condemns the continued escalation of the US military in the Caribbean against Venezuela, in particular the recently announced “total and complete blockade” of oil tankers leaving and entering the country which is an act of war. Following the recent seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, the Trump administration in the US has laid bare their true intentions in the region, which consistently undermine international law and human rights in the interest of US imperialism and domination.

IPB Calls for De-escalation and Dialogue between Japan and China

16 December 2025 | Berlin, Germany

The International Peace Bureau (IPB) expresses deep concern over the growing diplomatic rift between Japan and China, which has escalated in recent weeks with joint Chinese and Russian drills with strategic bombers and fighters and more recently US nuclear-capable bombers accompanying Japanese fighter jets over the Sea of Japan. Japan and China have accused one another of aggressive militaristic behavior including targeting the other with radars.

IPB Calls on Cambodia and Thailand to Urgently Implement a Ceasefire Deal

10 December 2025, Berlin, Germany

The International Peace Bureau (IPB) strongly calls for the immediate implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord signed on October 26, 2025, and urges both Thailand and Cambodia to exercise maximum restraint. With field-level tensions rising and initial ceasefire breaches reported, we call on ASEAN, the United Nations, and all regional stakeholders to actively support mediation efforts and engage constructively to prevent further escalation.

2025 Seán MacBride Peace Prize: A recognition of individual efforts towards peace and justice

21 November 2025, Berlin, Germany

The Seán MacBride Peace Prize, named after the Nobel Peace Laureate and IPB co-founder Seán MacBride, honors individuals and organizations who conduct outstanding work for peace, disarmament, and human rights.

Manifesto: No to Global NATO – Yes to Common Security

NATO is an increasing obstacle to achieving world peace. It is no longer an organization confined to the North Atlantic: it is the world’s largest military alliance, with allies and partners in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has reinvented itself as a tool for military action, psychological warfare, worldwide military and political interventions, and accessing resources and markets; it often claims to undertake these actions on behalf of the “international community”. With its partnerships and joint operations, it is a vehicle for the US strategic goal of global dominance; reinforced by military bases on all continents, it bypasses the United Nations and the system of international law, accelerating militarization, escalating arms expenditures and fueling arms races.