Costa Rica

The Ibero-American Convention on Young People's Rights, which entered into force on 1 March 2008, explicitly recognises the right to conscientious objection. Article 12 of the Convention reads: "Young people have the right to form a conscientious objection against compulsory military service." It also includes a commitment of states to create legal instruments to safeguard this right, and to progressively end compulsory military service.

30/04/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Costa Rica abolished its armed forces constitutionally in 1949. According to art. 12 of the 1949 Constitution: "The Army as a permanent institution is proscribed. For vigilance and the preservation of the public order, there will be the necessary police forces." [5]

The constitution provides for the introduction of both armed forces and military service, when deemed necessary.