Conscientious objection

07/08/1998 1 Conscription

conscription exists

The 12 June 1988 Green Charter of Human Rights of the Jamahiriyan Era in art. 25 states that "the defense of the Jamahiriyan society is the responsibility of every citizen, man or woman". [3]

Military service is regulated by the 5 May 1978 Compulsory Military Service Law. [1]

The official Libyan defence doctrine is that of a "people in arms", which means that everybody (women included) must be trained to defend the country.

06/08/1998

After achieving independence from France in 1960, Togo has been ruled by former chief of staff General Eyadéma since 1967. He has consistently favoured members of the Kabye-tribe in government positions and in the armed forces. He was elected president in 1993 and again in 1998 in grossly unfair elections. The armed forces have frequently been involved in political killings of civilians as well as soldiers, which are normally not investigated. Many soldiers killed were suspected of membership of the Association of Democratic Servicemen.

06/08/1998 1 Conscription

conscription exists

Officially Tanzania has no compulsory military service in the armed forces and has never had since achieving independence. The armed forces consist of volunteers. [1] [6]

But from 1963 onwards, Tanzania has had National Service, which involves military training, and which has a compulsory character. Those who have performed National Service are considered to belong to the military reserve forces. In the past they have been called up during the war in Uganda to fight the Idi Amin regime.

06/08/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

The government stated in 1997 that Swaziland has no conscription. [3]

Another source suggests that Swaziland has selective conscription for a two-year military service, but it is not known whether this still applies. [1]

recruitment

According to the government in 1997 recruitment into the armed forces is on a voluntary basis.

CCPR/C/79/Add.88
6 August 1998

(...)

17. The Committee remains concerned about the discriminatory treatment accorded to conscientious objectors in Cyprus, who may be subject to punishment on one or more occasion for failure to perform military service. The Committee recommends that the proposed new law concerning conscientious objectors ensure their fair treatment under the law and eradicate lengthy imprisonment as a form of punishment.

(...)

05/08/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

One source states that a two-year compulsory military service exists. [6]

However, other sources suggest that the Seychelles have no military conscription, but a National Youth Service exists, which was compulsory until 1993. It comprised military training but now emphasises education.

05/08/1998 1 Conscription

conscription exists

When Senegal achieved independence from France in 1960, regulations providing for national service (identical to French laws) were introduced, but they were not applied. [1]

Apparently there is still legislation on conscription, but the present conscription law is not known. It may be that the 14 November 1960 Ordinance is officially still in force. This law prescribes that all men aged 20 to 60 are liable for national service, which may be either military service or civilian service (arts. 20-21).

04/08/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Nigeria has no military conscription and has never had since achieving independence. [5] [1]

There is, however, another form of conscription for all university graduates. They are required to perform a 12-months' civilian service, working outside their state of origin in community projects, social programmes, public health, agriculture and sports. This service has no link with the armed forces. [4]

recruitment

Recruitment into the professional armed forces is on a voluntary basis.

04/08/1998

Niger achieved independence from France in 1960. In January 1996 the democratically elected government of president Ousmane was overthrown by a military coup led by colonel Mainassara. He was elected president in July 1997.

1 Conscription

conscription exists

Niger has conscription, although it is only imposed selectively. [1] [3] [4]

military service

It is not known who is liable for military service.

Military service lasts for 24 months.

04/08/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Namibia has never had conscription since achieving independence in 1990. [4]

Apparently, when becoming independent, it was planned to introduce a two-years' compulsory military service, but in 1990 it was reported that conscription had not been included in Namibia's constitution. [2]

recruitment

Recruitment into the Namibia Defence Force is on a voluntary basis.

31/07/1998 1 Conscription

conscription exists

Since achieving independence in 1975, there has been conscription. It is believed that following the 1992 peace agreement between the government and the armed opposition RENAMO, conscription has not been enforced.

However, conscription was reintroduced on 3 November 1997, when a 124 against 103 majority in the Mozambican parliament voted in favour of a new conscription law.

30/07/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Mauritius has no armed forces, except for two paramilitary forces: a special mobile force and a coast guard. [5]

There is no conscription and no conscription law. [1] [2] [3] [4]

recruitment

The minimum recruitment age for the paramilitary forces is 18.