OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina calls for compliance with laws on conscientious objection
Ambassador Robert Beecroft, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. (OSCE) Photo details
SARAJEVO, 15 May 2002 - On the occasion of the international day of conscientious objectors on 15 May, the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina has called on the country's authorities to take steps to ensure early compliance with the laws on conscientious objection and alternative service. With its accession to the Council of Europe last month, Bosnia and Herzegovina has committed itself to adopt these laws.
"The right to conscientious objection and functioning alternative service provisions are key elements of a modern democratic society", said Ambassador Robert Beecroft, Head of the OSCE Mission. "We emphasize that the right to conscientious objection and alternative service must be embedded and supported through properly functioning state institutions and ever-increasing co-operation between the armed forces, on the basis of a common defence policy which includes the re-structuring of the armed forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is consistent with the principles of democratic control of defence forces and transparency in defence planning and budgeting processes."
The laws on conscientious objection and alternative service are based on the European Convention on Human Rights, as they allow young people to fully exercize their rights as citizens and to serve their country. "This country's most precious resource is its young people. Respect for their choices in building up Bosnia and Herzegovina so it is open to the world and at peace with the different communities of which it is composed, is an investment, and must been seen as such", Mr. Beecroft said.
The OSCE Mission also noted the progress in both entities to develop a legal framework in line with European standards to guarantee the right to conscientious objection and alternative service in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The General Framework Agreement for Peace signed in Dayton and Paris almost seven years ago, had put a five-year moratorium on the mobilization of returnees.
"The right to conscientious objection and functioning alternative service provisions are key elements of a modern democratic society", said Ambassador Robert Beecroft, Head of the OSCE Mission. "We emphasize that the right to conscientious objection and alternative service must be embedded and supported through properly functioning state institutions and ever-increasing co-operation between the armed forces, on the basis of a common defence policy which includes the re-structuring of the armed forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is consistent with the principles of democratic control of defence forces and transparency in defence planning and budgeting processes."
The laws on conscientious objection and alternative service are based on the European Convention on Human Rights, as they allow young people to fully exercize their rights as citizens and to serve their country. "This country's most precious resource is its young people. Respect for their choices in building up Bosnia and Herzegovina so it is open to the world and at peace with the different communities of which it is composed, is an investment, and must been seen as such", Mr. Beecroft said.
The OSCE Mission also noted the progress in both entities to develop a legal framework in line with European standards to guarantee the right to conscientious objection and alternative service in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The General Framework Agreement for Peace signed in Dayton and Paris almost seven years ago, had put a five-year moratorium on the mobilization of returnees.