Conscientious objection

26/05/1998 1 Conscription

conscription exists

In 1990 the Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen) and the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen) combined to form the Republic of Yemen. The northern and southern armed forces were supposed to merge, but this proved to be a difficult process. In May 1994 a short civil war broke out, which was won by the northern forces.

07/05/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

The Canadian Forces (CF) are an all-volunteer, professional force. The Canadian Constitution does not expressly address the issue of conscription. At present there are no national laws that entitle the government to launch a conscription or compulsory military service scheme. Nor is there any system of national registration for a potential draft. [3]

recruitment

Enlistment in the armed forces is voluntary for men and women. The minimum age for enlistment is 17.

06/05/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Suriname has never had compulsory military service since independence was achieved in 1972.

recruitment

Enlistment in the armed forces is voluntary. Nothing is known about recruitment methods.

Conditions in the armed forces are deplorable. Ever since 1980, following sergeant Desi Bouterse's coup, they have been deliberately neglected, in order to prevent further military coup attempts.

06/05/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Military service in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) may be compulsory only at times of national danger. [1]

Guyana has a 'National Service' programme which apparently neither entails military service nor is a form of conscription. The 1980 constitution defines National Service as "service in any disciplined force, a principal purpose of which is the training of people with a view to advancing the economic development of Guyana".

06/05/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Grenada has no regular armed forces and there is no conscription. [1] [4]

2 Conscientious objection

The right to conscientious objection is not legally recognized. [4]

5 History

Conscription has never existed since independence was achieved in 1974.

Following the March 1979 coup the government established a 1,000 to 1,500-strong People's Revolutionary Army and a People's Militia, consisting of 25,000 volunteers.

1 Conscription

conscription exists

Conscription is referred to in art. 143 of the 1988 Federal Constitution which states that military service is compulsory. [1] [5]

Conscription is regulated by the Military Service Decree. [5]

military service

According to the Military Service Decree all 19-year-old citizens are liable for military service. [5]

But in practice it seems that men are called up at the age of 18. [3] [7]

Military service lasts for 12 months, and may be extended to 18 months.

30/04/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Conscription has never existed since independence was achieved in 1962.

Compulsory military service existed while the country was part of the British Empire. [2]

recruitment

Legal minimum enlistment age for the armed forces (including the paramilitary Volunteer Defence Force) is 18. Enlistment is, however, possible at a younger age with the written consent of parents or legal guardians. [1]

Legislation allows for enlistment of under 18-year-olds in exceptional circumstances.

30/04/1998 1 Conscription

conscription not enforced

The Puerto Rican armed forces are incorporated into the armed forces of the USA. This is because of the special status Puerto Rico has within the USA, for, according to the 1952 Constitution, Puerto Rico is a "free state associated with the USA". Puerto Ricans are granted US citizenship, although they are not allowed to take part in US elections (they may take part the elections for the Governor of Puerto Rico).

30/04/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Following the 1989 US invasion the Panamian armed forces were dissolved.

Recruitment into the paramilitary forces, including the national police force, is voluntary.

Conscription is enshrined in art. 306 of the Constitution, which states: "All Panamians are required to bear arms to defend national independence and territorial integrity, except as provided in art.

30/04/1998

30/04/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Conscription was abolished in 1990. In that year the civil war with the contras came to an end with the signing of the peace accords. The new government abolished military service immediately after winning the 1990 elections.

There is no current legislation providing for conscription. The Patriotic Military Service Law was legally abolished by a law passed by the National Assembly in December 1990 (Ley que deroga la Ley del Servicio Militar Patri--tico).

30/04/1998 1 Conscription

conscription exists

Conscription is enshrined in the art. 31 of the Constitution, which states: "The obligations of Mexicans are.... (II) To be present on the days and hours designated by the municipality in which they reside, to receive civic and military instruction whcih will equip them in the exercise of their rights as citizens, give them skill in the handling of arms, and acquaint them with military discipline.