South Korea: Constitutional Court recognises conscientious objection

On 28th June, in a landmark decision, South Korea’s Constitutional Court ordered the government to introduce alternative service of a civilian nature for conscientious objectors. The court ruled that Article 5 of the Military Service Act (MSA), which fails to provide alternative forms of national service, is unconstitutional and obligated lawmakers to change the law by the end of 2019.

The decision was welcomed by peace and human rights organisations in South Korea, including our affiliate World Without War (WWW). In a joint statement, organisations said:

The decision brings us closer to a more mature society, where the conscience of various individuals is respected and human rights are guaranteed, opening the door of peace for many who were forced to choose between military service and imprisonment.

Read more here.