Meeting in Yerevan on the topic of alternative military service
10:39, March 17, 2016 | News, Other news | Rights of Soldiers/Recruits | Armed Forces
On March 14 “New Generation” Humanitarian NGO in the scope of “Reinforcement of legislative mechanisms regarding protection of rights of vulnerable groups for rule of law” organized a discussion on the topic of the RA Law on “Alternative military service”.
The speaker was Artur Sakunts, Chairman of Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor office.
As mentioned A. Sakunts, since 2004-2013 Jehovah’s Witnesses have been given the right to alternative service, however, a number of pressing issues are still there and remain unresolved. Namely, while serving in the army, one is not allowed to apply for exemption. That is, a person cannot change his beliefs during the two years of mandatory service. This is a gross violation of human rights.
“Military service should be optional; a citizen has only one obligation to the country-paying taxes,” Sakunts stated.
A. Sakunts also addressed issues regarding the content of “Military service” schoolbook, where instead of explaining the construction of different weapons, it would be better to refer to issues of military service rights.