The Right to Conscientious Objection under Ethiopian Law
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Date
2011-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Conscientious objection is the refusal to participate in armed services based upon opposition to
armed conflict This opposition may rest upon reasons of religious belief, philosophy, morality or
political ideology, Historically, many conscientious objectors have been executed, imprisoned or
otherwise penalized when their beliefs leads to actions conflicting with their society's legal
system or government
Nowadays, however, the right to conscientious objection to military service is can be inferred
fi-om a number of international human rights instruments, It is considered as an extension of the
right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion which is recognized under article 18 of
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights (ICCPR),
This right has got also an implied recognition under the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
(FDRE) Constitution. The problem is that however the Constitution as well as subordinate
legislations does not address plenty of issues arising in connection with the right to conscientious
objection. They do not provide the grounds of exemption from military service, the scope of
objection, the type and the duration of alternative service and the organ that entertain
conscientious objection application. They are not clear also weather enlisted and professional
soldiers have the right to claim the right to conscientious objection.
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Right to Conscientious Objection