In Belarus, the alternative service law will enter into force on 1 July 2016. This is stated in the report published on the National Legal Internet Portal.
According to telegraf.by, the application of the recruit who wants to serve the alternative military service will be considered at a meeting of the draft board in his presence. The meeting may be attended by representatives of religious and other organizations, other citizens who can give an explanation about the application, said the report.
According to the law, alternative service may be suitable for by men aged 18 to 27 years old subject to military service and service in the reserve, physically and emotionally suitable to perform military service, as well as those who write a statement claiming that the adoption of the military oath and carrying of weapons are contrary to their religious beliefs.
Citizens will undertake alternative service in health care organizations, social services, housing, agriculture and forestry, in organizations involved in landscaping, construction and repair of roads and railway lines. In addition, they can work in the aftermath of natural and man-made emergencies.
The law establishes the length of alternative service for citizens who do not have higher education as 36 months, and for people with higher education – 24 months.
Defense Minister of Belarus, Andrei Raukou, believes that the number of people willing to perform alternative service will be miserable and have no significant impact on the size of the Belarusian army.
telegraf.by, belsat.eu/en/
