Inter­na­tio­nal Support of Conscien­tious Objec­tors and Deserters

International Standards on Conscientious Objection to Military Service

(02.05.2011) Conscientious objection to military service is not explicitly recognised in the international human rights standards. This has led some States to argue that it is not protected by them. However, this is not the case. The Human Rights Committee, the expert body which supervises the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is clear that conscientious objection to military service is protected under the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and has stated so in Views (decisions) on individual communications, in its General Comments and in Concluding Observations. In addition, the (former) UN Commission on Human Rights adopted a series of resolutions on conscientious objection to military service, and the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief of the UN Human Rights Council have also addressed the issue.

South Korea: Conscientious objector Sangwoo Kang imprisoned for 18 months

(08.03.2011) War Resisters’ International received information that South Korean gay conscientious objector Sangwoo Kang, 28, has been imprisoned for 18 months for his refusal to perform military service.

South Korea: Conscientious objector Moon Myungjin on trial

Threat of 18 months’ imprisonment

(03.03.2011) South Korea conscientious objector Moon Myungjin will be on trial for his refusal to perform military service on 16 March. If convicted - which is likely - he will potentially face 18 months in prison.

South Korea: Conscientious objector Jihwan Ahn sentenced to 18 months imprisonment

(22.02.2011) War Resisters’ International received information that South Korean conscientious objector and anarchist Jihwan Ahn was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for conscientious objection on 17 February. He was arrested in court and transferred to prison.