THE FREEDOM OF THOUGHT AND CONSCIENCE – THE STATUS OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR TO MILITARY SERVICE

Abstract

The right to conscientious objection is founded on human rights to act according to individuals’ religious and other conscience. The right to refuse to perform military service under arms inheres in the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, entitling any individual to exemption from compulsory military service if it cannot be reconciled with the individual’s religion or beliefs. Domestic and international human rights laws recognize such entitlements. International institutions protect conscientious objectors by adopting recommendations and resolutions. Romania approved such legislation, introducing a genuine alternative service of a civilian nature and decriminalizing conscientious objection to military service.

Keywords

• human rights
• conscientious objector
• military service