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Inputs for OHCHR: Conscientious objection to military service in Belarus

Belarus systematically suppresses conscientious objection, expanding criminal penalties, militarization, and coercive recruitment while undermining international human rights standards.

January 15, 2026

1. Brief summary

Belarus maintains compulsory military service for male citizens of conscription age (18-27 years), with conscription generally taking place twice a year. IIn 2025, this is confirmed by official documents on spring and autumn conscription.¹ ²

After completing their fixed-term military service, citizens are subject to enlistment in the reserve and continue to perform military duties until they reach the maximum age for remaining in the reserve, as established by the Law of the Republic of Belarus “On Military Duty and Military Service.” Depending on the reserve category and military category, this age is in some cases up to 60 years, and for certain categories of conscripts, up to 65 years.³ ⁴

In wartime or when mobilization is declared, the law allows for the expansion of the age range for conscripts.⁵

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.

Quantum Scientists Publish Manifesto Against the Militarization of Research

Quantum technologies are often presented in public discourse as one of the most promising scientific frontiers of the twenty-first century. The so-called “second quantum revolution” encompasses developments such as quantum computing, quantum cryptography, and quantum sensing—technologies that are now transitioning from fundamental research to early industrial applications. While large-scale commercial deployment is still limited, concrete uses are already emerging, particularly in sensing and secure communications.

Why ‘Common Security’ is good for business and global stability. Here’s why

By: Luc Triangle, General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) at the World Economic Froum 2026

The concept of Common Security is about addressing root causes of instability: poverty, environmental degradation, exclusion and erosion of trust.
The approach is the cornerstone of sustainable, predictable and profitable global business.
Such security is not an abstract vision – it is a necessary strategy for our collective future, and business must be part of the solution.

By any measure, the world is at a crossroads. Geopolitical conflicts are escalating, climate breakdown is accelerating, economic inequality is deepening, erosion of democracy is growing.

Greenland: Not for Sale (or Conquest)

Statement by the Campaign for Peace, Disarmament and Common Security, January 20, 2026.

The Campaign for Peace, Disarmament and Common Security opposes and condemns President Trump’s imperial and neocolonial campaign of coercion to seize Greenland, an integral domain of Denmark.

Trump’s ambitions for Greenland are part of the increased strategic and commercial competition for influence and potentially control of the Arctic and the northwest passage. Greenland’s mineral wealth, including rare earth minerals, has increasing economic importance.

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.

Global Day of Action in Solidarity with Venezuela: January 17

No War, No Overthrow, No Coup, No Sanctions!

We are calling for an end to U.S. hostility toward Venezuela, including sanctions, threats, & war.

End all war and hostilities toward Venezuela.
Cut off the funding that allows such crimes.
Free Venezuela’s kidnapped president.
Bring all U.S. troops and equipment back to the United States from Venezuela and vicinity.
Cancel the brutal economic sanctions, naval blockade, and no-fly-zone.
Renounce overthrows and the Monroe Doctrine.
Impeach, convict, and remove President Trump from office.

Women As Agents of Change: Students of Serbia

Love is the quiet force that rebuilds what was broken. Unity is the light that guides us forward.

This is their story…

From Serbia to the world, a new vision and frequency moves through the youth, one woven with hope, compassion, and unbreakable solidarity

At the forefront of this rising are the women, whose voices, resilience, and leadership have set the tone for a new era of courage.

They show us that even in the darkest chapters of humanity, the light returns through those willing to stand together.

A reminder that humanity’s greatest revolutions begin with love and what becomes possible when we stand as ONE.

This is The Students of Serbia.

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.