On 14 September 2026, IARF co-sponsored a side event on conscientious objection to military service during the UN Human Rights Council’s 63rd session in Geneva. Organised by the Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) and the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), the event was also co-sponsored by Costa Rica, Croatia and several civil society organisations.
The discussion featured testimonies from conscientious objectors, alongside OHCHR’s presentation of its latest report on the subject. UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief Nazila Ghanea addressed the international legal framework. Participants highlighted continuing violations of the right to conscientious objection, particularly during armed conflict and military mobilisation, while the OHCHR report identified examples of progress and good practices in protecting this right.