Conscientious objection

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.

19/05/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Conscription has never existed since the achievement of independence in 1971. [2]

Conscription is not likely to be introduced in the future.

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.