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Opinion on the Alternative Service Program forconscientious objectors [2007] KRNHRC 28 (1 September 2007)

In December 2005, the Commission recommended that the Ministry of Defense
introduce the Alternative Service Program which would help promote the balance between
the responsibility to serve in the military and the right to conscientious objection,
considering that conscientious objection to military service is about the freedom of
conscience protected under the Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights. In September 2007, the Ministry of Defense announced its plans to
introduce the Alternative Service Program for conscientious objectors. It also announced
that it would allow conscientious objectors to work in social welfare facilities as a
reasonable means to replace the current criminal penalties for those who refused to serve in
the military for religious reasons.

However, the Commission was deeply concerned over the news that the Ministry of
National Defense would reverse its decision. The Commission delivered its opinion several
times to the Minister of National Defense that the Ministry should develop and implement
detailed action plans to introduce the Alternative Service Program, considering that the
international community expected Korea to respect the human rights of minorities and
develop human rights standards as a responsible member of the international community
and a civilized society.