On November 24, 2010, the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights will consider if the right to conscientious objection falls within the scope of freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
Despite the willingness of the Applicant, Vahan Bayatyan, to perform genuine alternative civilian service, he was imprisoned by Armenia from September 2002 to July 2003 for his refusal to bear arms. The Court is being asked to rule that Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience and religion, protects the right of conscientious objection to military service.
On accession to the Council of Europe in 2001, Armenia made a commitment to institute a genuine civilian alternative to military service for conscientious objectors, and in the meantime to pardon all those who had been convicted. Instead of honoring its commitment, Armenia continues to convict and imprison conscientious objectors. There are 72 Jehovah’s Witnesses who are currently serving prison terms in Armenia as conscientious objectors.
The decision of the Grand Chamber on this issue will have a major impact not only on the last few member States of the Council of Europe, including Armenia, that do not recognize the right of conscientious objectors but also on countries like South Korea, where there are currently over 800 conscientious objectors in prison.
Taken from original press release.
This is very interesting...I didn't know it was such an issue.....Let's hope the Grand Chamber will make the decision to have Armenia's original commitment of instituting a genuine civilian alternative to military service, honored and that it will prove to be positive action for other countries, like South Korea as well.....
ReplyDeleteIt is a huge issue around the globe especially in hot spots where war is imminent or where military service is considered extremely important.
ReplyDeleteI am also interested because Quakers are also war objectors. The difference is they will go, if required by draft, as non combatants; but they initially make a request not to go at all. They too have been persecuted for these beliefs.
ReplyDeleteThis is an important issue to keep your eye on.
This blog is a valuable tool for it.
Yes, Jehovah's Witnesses will also apply for alternative service. It boils down to having a weapon. If you have a weapon you are expected to use it and Jehovah's Witnesses, as well as Quakers will not.
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