Country report and updates: Antigua and Barbuda

1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Conscription has never existed since gaining independence in 1981.

Antigua and Barbuda is one of only two Eastern Caribbean states to maintain standing armed forces.

recruitment

No information available.

2 Conscientious objection

There is no legal provision for conscientious objection.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda stated in 1994 that the issue of conscientious objection does not apply, as military service is voluntary in Antigua and Barbuda. [1]

3 Desertion

No information available.

6 Annual statistics

The armed forces comprise 150 troops, which is about 0.21 percent of the population. [2]

Sources

[1] UN Commission on Human Rights, 1994. Report of the Secretary-General prepared pursuant to Commission resolution 1993/84 (and Addendum). United Nations, Geneva. [2] Institute for Strategic Studies 1997. Military Balance 1997/98. ISS, London.