Regional network “Objection for peace” was formed in February 2003 with a task to define and recognize the right to conscientious objection on a regional level, in the public, as well in the official legislature. Because of the similarity of the issue, as well as relatively same level of recognition (or no recognition) of this human right, and the existence of more or less articulated initiatives that were working on the recognition and promotion of the right of conscientious objection in Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, (at that time Serbia and Montenegro), Bosnia and Hercegovina and Croatia, joint and coordinated work was the best possible model for working on this issues. Of course, we must not forget the fact that opposition towards conscientious objection (as well as opposition towards demilitarization in general) in these countries had roots in the feeling of insecurity and hatred as result of the conflicts in the past years, so that made the aspect of sensitization of these issues through regionally connected initiatives and exchange of information a very important reason for forming of the network.

The network from it’s beginning was constituted by “Mirovna Akcija” form Macedonia, “EBCO Balkan” from Serbia, “Nansen Dijalog Centar” from Montenegro, “Campaign for conscientious objection in BiH” (represented by “Zasto ne” from Sarajevo) and “Antiratna kampanja” from Croatia. In the beginning the network indeed did a lot regarding the right for conscientious objection. In all of the countries from the region were organized seminars for activists, and right after it’s forming the network organized a joint action for promotion of 15^th of May, The International day for conscientious objectors. It also made a regional study of adaptation of the legislative in the countries from the region with the European recommendations regarding the issue of conscientious objection. The regional standard for conscientious objection was made at the same time. The document’s goal was to standardize the legal aspects of the right for conscientious objection in the countries from the region. In the next year, 2004, the regional network realized it’s most important activity: the regional conference “In Europe through conscientious objection and civil service”, which promoted the cooperation with all the governments from the region and accomplished the standardization of the right of conscientious objection in most of the countries. After that the network becomes ready for bigger activities. So in May 2005 it organizes the first Regional peace caravan, visiting Croatia, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Serbia, Macedonia i Greece. The peace caravan definitely meant expansion of the network, and at the same time defining new and expanding the existing goals, which was all confirmed with the next Caravan in 2006, as well with the one which happened in May 2007. Besides that, it’s important to emphasize the expansion of the network in Albania where much more work is needed for the right for conscientious objection to be legally recognized at same level as in the other countries of the region, as well as the help for the conscientious objectors in Greece and Turkey where for there is a practice for decades for imprisonment of the conscientious objectors.

With the legal standardization of the right for conscientious objection, and even with the abolishing of the obligatory military service in some countries of the region, the network realized the need for transformation and expansion. In the next period “Objection for Peace” will become an initiative which on regional level will strive for demilitarization, reconciliation and sustainable peace in the region, as well as trying to include and cooperate with all the initiatives in the region which share our views and want to be part of a joint effort regarding these issues. Also, the Regional network “Objection for Peace” will continue to be against all wars, always and anywhere, and will continue it’s devotion for ending all wars in the world, as well as taking part in antiwar activities anywhere on the planet and not just in our region.

Darko Brkan (UG Zasto ne)