Conscientious objection

06/07/1998

Shortly after achieving independence from Portugal in 1975, armed conflict broke out between the Peoples' Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the National Union for Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). The civil war lasted nearly 20 years, in which the MPLA controlled the majority of the country and the UNITA fought a guerrilla war against the government forces. The war ended with the 1 May 1991 Bicesse peace accords, which led to presidential elections in 1992.

30/06/1998

Since 1992 there has been armed conflict in Algeria between the armed forces controlled by the government and several armed insurgent groups. Conscripts have not only been killed during armed confrontation, but many have been killed when they were not on active service or even after having completed military service.

23/06/1998

In 1973, when the territory of Western Sahara was still under Spanish colonial rule, the Popular front for the Liberation of Saguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro (Polisario) was formed to fight independence from Spain. After the Spanish withdrawal in 1975 Polisario proclaimed the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) but the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces followed by Moroccan citizens invaded Western Sahara, leading to armed conflict between Polisario and Morocco. The 1988 peace agreement led to a cease-fire in 1991.

23/06/1998 1 Conscription

conscription exists

Conscription was introduced in 1966. Art. 16 of the 10 March 1972 Constitution (reviewed in 1992) states that "all citizens shall participate in the defence of the fatherland." [1] [9]

The current legal basis of conscription is unknown. Apparently a Moroccan Ministry of Defence does not exist, and the armed forces (Forces Armées Royales - FAR) are directly under the King, who has absolute power. In this way the King seeks to prevent future coup attempts by members of the armed forces.

27/05/1998 1 Conscription

conscription not enforced

The United States Constitution does not address military conscription. [9]

Compulsory military service is addressed in the Military Selective Service Act, which requires all males between the ages of 18 and 26 to register for compulsory military service (50 App. U.S.C., par. 453). The US Congress has the right to introduce compulsory military service for those registered if they think the national security necessitates forces greater than the regular armed forces (par. 451(d)).

26/05/1998 1 Conscription

conscription exists

The 1979 Political Constitution, amended in 1993, states in art. 270 that "National defence is permanent and integral. Every natural or legal person is obliged to participate in it, in accordance with the law." Military service is prescribed by the 8 November 1983 Law on Compulsory Military Service (D.L. 264) and the 16 November 1984 Regulation on Military Service (Supreme Decree 072-84-PCM). [4] [1]

The 12 November 1991 Law on National Mobilisation (D.L. 733) is thought still to apply.

26/05/1998 1 Conscription

conscription exists

Conscription is enshrined in the 1945 Constitution. According to art. 179: "The Federal Law enacts regulations on the right and duty of all able citizens to assist in the maintenance of the independence of the Republic (...) and in the defence of the territory. The Federal Law regulates the exercise of this right and duty and determines the exceptions thereof." Art. 180, par.1 reads: "The armed forces of the republic (...) are entrusted with the protection of the interests of the Republic.

26/05/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Fiji has no conscription. [2] [3]

2 Conscientious objection

There is no known legal provision for conscientious objection.

3 Desertion

No information available.

6 Annual statistics

The armed forces comprise 3,600 troops, which is 0.46 percent of the population. [1]

Sources

[1] Institute for Strategic Studies 1997. Military Balance 1997/98. ISS, London. [2] Eide, A., C. Mubanga-Chipoya 1985.

19/05/1998 1 Conscription

conscription exists

Turkmenistan decided to create its own armed forces in early 1992. However, their first full-scale military exercises did not occur until October 1995. [2]

military service

Military service lasts for two years - although according to another source the period is 18 months.

19/05/1998 1 Conscription

conscription exists

Conscription has existed since the achievement of independence.

The legal basis of conscription is a text published in China in 1933, plus subsequent modifications. [1]

military service

All men between the ages of 18 and 45 are liable for military service. [1]

Military service lasts for two years. [1]

There are reserve duties. [4]

Military training for both men and women is available at both college and university, but it is not known whether it is compulsory.

19/05/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Papua New Guinea has no conscription. [2] [3]

2 Conscientious objection

There is no known legal provision for conscientious objection.

3 Desertion

No information available.

6 Annual statistics

The armed forces are 4,300-strong - that is about 0.09 percent of the population. [1]

Sources

[1] Institute for Strategic Studies 1997. Military Balance 1997/98. ISS, London. [2] UN Commission on Human Rights 1997.

19/05/1998 1 Conscription

conscription exists

The legal basis of conscription is the Universal Military Service Act. [2]

Military service is performed in the armed forces, the border guards, the internal security troops and the construction troops. [1]

Traditionally all men and women must undergo civil defence training. In 1982 there were 600 civil defence units, but it is not known if and how far civil defence training still goes on. [2]

military service

All men between the ages of 18 and 28 are liable for military service.