Review to conscientious objection on Turkey and Kyrgyzstan at United Nations

(01.11.2024) Connection e.V. has prepared and submitted to the UN two reports concerning the situation of the right to conscientious objection to military service in Turkey and Kyrgyzstan, in preparation of the Universal Periodic Review of these countries which will take place in April 2025.

No legal provisions on conscientious objection in Turkey and the northern part of Cyprus

In the submission on Turkey, Connection e.V. emphasizes that the right to conscientious objection to military service in Turkey and in the northern part of Cyprus is not recognized and there are violations of human rights standards. There is no exemption of conscientious objectors from compulsory military service and reserve duties.

It is urgent that punishment of conscientious objectors and all sentences already imposed on them, including the repetitive punishment, which is a violation of the ne bis in idem principle, are annulled. Their civil and political rights have to be restored and adequate compensation has to be provided to those who have already been sentenced and punished.

You can find the full report on Turkey here: www.Connection-eV.org/ohchr/49th_UPR_Tuerkiye_EN_Connection.pdf

Additionally, you can find the report submitted by Connection’s Turkish partner Conscientious Objection Watch here: www.Connection-eV.org/ohchr/49th_UPR_Tuerkiye_EN_CO_Watch.pdf

Kyrgyzstan: Severe violations of the human right of conscientious objection

Connection e.V. reports that in Kyrgyzstan conscientious objection to military service is limited only to members of registered religious organizations and thus there is a discrimination based on the grounds.

Additionally, as already previously noted by the UN Human Rights Committee the length of the alternative service is not in line with international standards as it is longer than military service.

Connection e.V. recommends to fully implement the right to conscientious objection to military service in the country and eliminate all discriminations against conscientious objectors, including the fee imposed on them.

You can find the full report on Kyrgyzstan here: www.Connection-eV.org/ohchr/49th_UPR_Kyrgyzstan_EN_Connection.pdf

Universal Periodic Review 

The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is an important mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council, which provides the opportunity for each UN Member State, every four years, to present what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situation in their country and to fulfil their human rights obligations and to receive recommendations. The State under review is also to report on the implementation of the previously accepted recommendations.

Members of the Human Rights Council have the possibility to ask questions and make recommendations to the State under review. The UPR Working Group consists of the 47 members of the Council, however any member state can take part in the discussion.
The UPR is a peer review based on information provided by the interested State, independent human rights experts and other stakeholders such as NGOs. 

NGOs reports and proposed recommendations can be referred to by any of the States taking part in the interactive discussion during the review; it is therefore of vital importance to engage at the UPR and address specific issues.

Connection focuses in particular on issues related to the right to conscientious objection to military service.

Connection is currently running a particular conscientious objection project, funded by the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT), a grant-making Quaker trust. Among the main aims there are research work and redaction of thematic country-based reports to be submitted to the UN for the regular State reviews on human rights. 

The right to refuse to kill, although it is a human right, it is not recognized in all countries and many objectors are persecuted.

Connection e.V.: Submissions delivered to Universal Periodic Review to Turkey and Kyrgyzstan. November 1, 2024

Keywords:    ⇒ Conscientious Objection   ⇒ Human Rights   ⇒ Kirghizia   ⇒ Turkey