Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

Military (Amendment) Draft Law

On the Right to Conscientious Objection

(09.01.2019) An amendment of the military law have been submitted to the Parliament of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This is intended to regulate conscientious objection.

The law provides for conscientious objectors living in the north of Cyprus to fulfill the conscription through conducting civilian service within the armed forces without being subject to military training or through conducting a substitute service in a public institution to which they will be assigned
by the military forces.

Regulations on the duration of the service are not included in the bill. As far as can be seen from the bill, this is left to the implementing regulations of the Prime Minister.

Northern Cyprus: Assembly to Debate Draft Bill on Conscription

(08.01.2019) Following the case of conscientious objector Halil Karapaşaoğlu, who has been fined for refusing to present himself for military service, a draft bill concerning amendments to military law is being presented to the TRNC Assembly for debate. The new law provides for two options for Turkish Cypriots who do not want to serve in the armed forces: to provide a civil service in the army according to their capabilities, professional skills and educational background, or to be employed by the armed forces in public institutions for the public interest.

South Korea: Government considers 36 months in correctional facilities for alternative service

(15.11.2018) The South Korean government is seeking to impose 36 months of work in correctional facilities for those seeking alternatives to military service after the country’s top court recognized conscientious objection as a valid reason for rejecting mandatory military service.

South Korea: Supreme court upholds conscientious objection

(02.11.2018) South Korea's top court ruled Thursday that South Korean men can legally reject their mandatory military service on conscientious or religious grounds without punishment. The landmark ruling is expected to affect the cases of more than 930 conscientious objectors on trial. Hundreds of young South Korean men, mostly Jehovah's Witnesses, are imprisoned every year for refusing to serve in the military.