A copy of Decree 360 listing the different faiths eligible for exemption/alternative military service. [UKR38221.E]

A copy of the requested document could not be found among sources consulted by the Research Directorate. No information on Decree 360 could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

According to Asylumlaw's Country Assessment, Ukraine passed an amendment to its law on alternative service in December 1998 (Sept. 1999). The amendment states that those individuals undertaking alternative service can serve at charities, Red Cross institutions or public utilities (ibid.), but must serve twice as long as those in regular military service (ibid.; AI Dec. 2001). Alternative service can only be performed by members of officially registered religious organizations (ibid.). Amnesty International further states that: "...according to reports, followers of religious confessions which have not been registered officially by the authorities are denied the right to alternative civilian service on the grounds of their religious beliefs" (ibid. Apr. 1997).

Three oral sources, including the Embassy of Ukraine in Ottawa, were unable to provide a copy of the requested document.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References


Amnesty International. 2001. Amnesty International Report 2001. http://web.amnesty.org/web/ar2001.nsf/webeurcountries/UKRAINE?OpenDocument [Accessed 28 November 2001]

_____. April 1997. Out of the Margins: The Right to Conscientious Objection in Europe. http://www.web.amnesty.org/ai.nsf/index/EUR010021997 [Accessed 30 November 2001]

Asylumlaw [Internet site]. September 1999. Ukraine: Country Assessment. http://www.asylumlaw.org/docs/ukraine/ind99b_ukraine_ca.htm [Accessed 28 November 2001]

Additional Sources Consulted


IRB Databases

World News Connection

Embassy of Ukraine in Ottawa

Three oral sources contacted did not provide information

Internet sites including:

Amnesty International

2000 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom

BRAMA - Gateway to Ukraine

Christian Solidarity International

The Human Rights Centre "Viasna" - Minsk

Hokkaido University Slavic Research Centre

International Christian Concern

International Coalition for Religious Freedom

International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights

Keston Institute

Non-Violence International

Religious Information Service of Ukraine

Russia Religion News - Stetson University

War Resisters International