Jehovah’s Witnesses

For Immediate Release
January 11, 2006
(Korean)

Korea’s National Human Rights Commission recommends alternative civilian service

On December 26, 2005, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Seoul presented to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Minister of National Defense its official recommendation on an issue that for decades has imprisoned thousands of youths. The recommendation, in the form of an exhortation by the NHRC executive panel, was that a system of alternative service be made that would allow for harmonious coexistence of the right of conscientious objection and military service.

Regarding the reason for the recommendation, the NHRC press release says: “The freedom of conscience, . . . as the basis of human dignity which is the mother of mental liberties, forms a foundation of mental liberties and is a fundamental right of the highest degree that cannot be compromised even under conditions of national emergency. . . . The right of conscientious objection falls within the protection of freedom of conscience. . . . The way in which the freedom of conscience of Article 19 and the duty of national defense of Article 39 of the Constitution can harmoniously coexist is to provide for a system of alternative service that would allow for the performance of the duty of national defense through methods other than military service.”

This exhortation is also included in the recommendations of the NHRC that will be submitted to the government in January 2006.

In 2004, the Supreme Court justices and the Constitutional Court already urged the legislature to enact a provision for alternative service. This exhortation of NHRC is very significant in that a government agency takes the initiative in solving the problem.

With regard to this exhortation, Mr. Chung, Woon-young, spokesman for the Korea branch of Jehovah’s Witnesses, said: “This recommendation showed the yearning of the Korean government to be ranked with other countries of the world in which freedom of religion and freedom of conscience are respected by law. Allowing for civilian service gives the citizens the best way to show respect and trust to one another.”

As of December 15, 2005, there were 1,044 Jehovah’s Witnesses in prison in Korea for not participating in military service.

Contacts: Contact: J. R. Brown, telephone: (718) 560-5600