Country report and updates: Swaziland

1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

The government stated in 1997 that Swaziland has no conscription. [3]

Another source suggests that Swaziland has selective conscription for a two-year military service, but it is not known whether this still applies. [1]

recruitment

According to the government in 1997 recruitment into the armed forces is on a voluntary basis. [3]

No further details are known.

2 Conscientious objection

There is no known legal provision for conscientious objection.

3 Desertion

No information available.

6 Annual statistics

The armed forces are approximately 3,000 strong - that is, 0.31 percent of the population. [2]

Sources

[1] Brett, R. & M. McCallin 1996. Children, the invisible soldiers. Rädda Barnen, Stockholm, Sweden. [2] U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency 1997. World Military Expenditures and Arms Transfers (WMEAT) 1996. US Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, Washington DC. [3] UN Commission on Human Rights 1997. The question of conscientious objection to military service, report of the Secretary-General prepared pursuant to Commission resolution 1995/83. United Nations, Geneva.