HISTORY OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION

THE concept of conscientious objection to military service as a human right has developed over a period of decades.

The Council of Europe, United Nations and European Parliament have all stressed through various decisions that the right to conscientious objection is a fundamental aspect of the freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

According to international standards, the right to conscientious objection should not be restricted to religious reasons alone, but should include all pacifist and moral reasons against the use of violence. This is stressed in Council of Europe Recommendation R(87)8, which states: “Anyone liable to conscription for military service who, for compelling reasons of conscience, refuses to be involved in the use of arms, shall have the right to be released from the obligation to perform such service”.

According to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights Resolution 1998/77: “Conscientious objection derives from principles and reasons of conscience, including profound convictions, arising from religious, ethical, humanitarian or similar motives.” The Resolution calls upon states “not to discriminate amongst conscientious objectors on the basis of their particular beliefs”.