Open Letter from Anti-War Initiatives Against Forced Service: What We Are Fighting For and What to Do Now
Today, November 1, the autumn conscription begins in Russia. Young men aged 18 to 27 without deferments will be forcibly drafted into the army — whether they want to or not. This is a vile and brutal act of violence against citizens.
We oppose mandatory conscription, and here’s why:
1. Conscripts are often coerced into signing contracts. Despite government promises, they end up in combat zones — and die. Dozens of such cases have been documented.
2. Mandatory conscription is legalized slavery. Men are deprived of freedom and civil rights for a year, torn away from their normal lives, families, and friends, and forced to work against their will.
3. The current Russian army is rife with hazing and corruption. Many conscripts return with physical and psychological trauma. Suicides among conscripts are on the rise.
4. The military is a rigid hierarchical system that fosters dysfunctional personality traits: blind obedience to authority and unquestioning submission. It also cultivates conformism, militarism, and sexism.
5. The army instills unrealistic and sometimes harmful views on interpersonal relationships, gender roles, and gender identities, which negatively impact women.
6. Conscription is used as a tool of repression. Opposition activists and politicians are threatened with military service, and sometimes sent to serve as punishment.
7. We firmly believe that citizens are not the property of the state, and slavery has no place in modern society. Therefore, we oppose forced service — both under conscription and mobilization.
What should those targeted by conscription do now?
1. If you receive a summons in person (only under signature; a summons in the mailbox is not legally valid), it’s better not to ignore it, as evasion may lead to criminal prosecution under Article 328 of the Criminal Code.
Generally, it is safe for conscripts to visit the military enlistment office. However, go prepared, know your rights, and be ready to defend them. Resources from specialized human rights groups (e.g., guides from the “Conscious Objectors Movement”) can help.
Avoid visiting the enlistment office if your medical documents only qualify you for Category B. There is a high risk of immediate mobilization after receiving your military ID.
2. Consult human rights organizations, report all violations, and take legal action. Human rights advocates can help you file complaints and go to court. Legal proceedings often take so long that the conscription period ends before resolution.
3. If you face forced conscription (which is unlikely), demand to substitute military service with alternative civilian service (ACS). Your right to ACS is guaranteed by the Constitution.
Human Rights Organizations:
Agora
Call to Conscience
Conscious Objectors Movement
Conscript’s School
Soldiers’ Mothers of Saint Petersburg
What can everyone else do?
Share information about conscription and provide friends and family with contacts for human rights groups and guides on avoiding conscription.
Avoiding the draft is possible, but many are unaware or afraid to resist. Spreading information is crucial — and you can help!
Signatories:*
1. Vesna Movement
2. Conscious Objectors Movement
3. Feminist Anti-War Resistance
4. Together Movement
5. Resonance
6. Green Ribbon
7. Media Partisans
8. Angry Chuvashia
9. Velvet Street
10. It Will Work
11. Wake Up Movement
12. Close the Tver Behind Me
13. Time Movement
14. Anti-War Sick Leave
15. Voice of Reason
16. Eighth Initiative Group
17. DISSIDENT
18. FreeRussiaNL
19. MIRVAZHEN
20. Argument
21. Perm 36.6
22. Russian America for Democracy in Russia
23. Russians in Batumi
24. Omsk Civic Association
25. Ural Success Kitchen
26. Tyumen Movement #NOWAR
27. Tyumen is a Wealthy Region!
28. Association of Free Russians in Spain
29. Russian Demarche
*— Any initiative may sign this appeal without verification. Inclusion in the list does not imply validation.
If you represent an anti-war initiative, you can sign the appeal through a form.
