Conscientious objection

30/04/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Conscription has never existed since independence was achieved in 1962.

Compulsory military service existed while the country was part of the British Empire. [2]

recruitment

Legal minimum enlistment age for the armed forces (including the paramilitary Volunteer Defence Force) is 18. Enlistment is, however, possible at a younger age with the written consent of parents or legal guardians. [1]

Legislation allows for enlistment of under 18-year-olds in exceptional circumstances.

30/04/1998 1 Conscription

conscription not enforced

The Puerto Rican armed forces are incorporated into the armed forces of the USA. This is because of the special status Puerto Rico has within the USA, for, according to the 1952 Constitution, Puerto Rico is a "free state associated with the USA". Puerto Ricans are granted US citizenship, although they are not allowed to take part in US elections (they may take part the elections for the Governor of Puerto Rico).

30/04/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Following the 1989 US invasion the Panamian armed forces were dissolved.

Recruitment into the paramilitary forces, including the national police force, is voluntary.

Conscription is enshrined in art. 306 of the Constitution, which states: "All Panamians are required to bear arms to defend national independence and territorial integrity, except as provided in art.

30/04/1998

30/04/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Conscription was abolished in 1990. In that year the civil war with the contras came to an end with the signing of the peace accords. The new government abolished military service immediately after winning the 1990 elections.

There is no current legislation providing for conscription. The Patriotic Military Service Law was legally abolished by a law passed by the National Assembly in December 1990 (Ley que deroga la Ley del Servicio Militar Patri--tico).

30/04/1998 1 Conscription

conscription exists

Conscription is enshrined in the art. 31 of the Constitution, which states: "The obligations of Mexicans are.... (II) To be present on the days and hours designated by the municipality in which they reside, to receive civic and military instruction whcih will equip them in the exercise of their rights as citizens, give them skill in the handling of arms, and acquaint them with military discipline.

30/04/1998 1 Conscription

conscription not enforced

Since 1994 conscription has not been enforced.

At present there is no clear legal basis for conscription.

In May 1994 the Honduran Congress amended art. 276 of the 1982 Constitution, according to which all able-bodied men aged 18 to 30 were liable to two years' military service. The constitutional amendment established voluntary military service in peace time and called for the 1985 Military Service Act and corresponding regulations to be redrafted.

30/04/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

There is no conscription as the armed forces were disbanded in 1994, following the fall of the military regime which had ruled Haiti since 1991. At present, the only armed forces in Haiti are paramilitary and police forces.

Conscription is, however, enshrined in art. 268 of the 1987 Constitution, according to which all men aged over 18 are liable for military service.

recruitment

Recruitment into the Haitian National Police Force is voluntary.

30/04/1998 1 Conscription

conscription not enforced

Since 1994 conscription has not been officially enforced.

After 1994 the civil war between the government and the URNG (National Guatemalan Revolutionaty Unit), which had lasted since 1962, gradually came to an end. In that year the Global Human Rights Accord was signed by the government, the URNG and the United Nations.

30/04/1998 1 Conscription

conscription not enforced

Conscription has, in general, not been enforced since 1992. In February that year a peace treaty was signed between the government and the FMLN (Farabundo Marti Liberacion Nacional), which ended a civil war which had lasted since 1980.

There is a legal basis for re-introducing conscription.

Conscription is enshrined in art. 215 of the 1983 Constitution, according to which military service is compulsory for all Salvadorans (men and women) between the ages of 18 and 30.

30/04/1998 1 Conscription

Conscription is enshrined in sect. II art. 9(b) of the Constitution, which states: "Every able-bodied Dominican citizen shall perform such civilian and military service as may be required by the country to ensure its defence and preservation." [1]

It is not clear if conscription is actually enforced.

The government stated in 1989 that it does not consider military service to be among the duties of its citizens. [2]

Several other sources also state that there is no conscription.

30/04/1998 1 Conscription

conscription does not exist

Dominica does not have regular armed forces.

Conscription has never existed since gaining independence in 1978. Conscription is not enshrined in the constitution and there is no legislation providing for conscription. [1]

2 Conscientious objection

The right to conscientious objection is not legally recognized, nor is it enshrined in the constitution.