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Alternative Military Service in Ukraine Shortened

27.03.2006, [13:00] // Church-state relations //

Kyiv – A decree of Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers regarding draftees who cannot serve in the army because of religious convictions has come into effect. Now, instead of 27 months, the young men will serve only 18, and those who have higher education will serve 15.5 months. Ukraine’s Parliament shortened the military service term last year, while the term of alternative service was just changed at the initiative of the Ministry of Work and Social Policy. RISU’s Ukrainian-language site posted the news on 24 March 2006.

A special committee, not the military registration and enlistment office, calls up draftees for alternative service. In order to go on alternative service, it is necessary to have a document from a religious organization certifying the young man’s membership in this organization. Young men will be assigned by the Center of Social Care, as they will serve, mostly, at charity organizations.

Last year over 1,500 draftees were registered for the alternative service. The new norms will be applied even to those who are in the army now. If a young man joined the army 18 months ago, he should be dismissed immediately.

Source:

• http://www.daily.com.ua/page.php?node=37&sid=10722