Indefinite National Service for Under 50s Amid National Crisis
| National Service | Crisis Management | Policy |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published: | Updated:
3 min read
Indefinite National Service has been implemented for individuals under the age of 50, requiring them to serve until they are released, a decision that is often left to the discretion of military commanders. This policy has led to a situation where many conscripts find themselves serving for extended periods, with a study of 200 individuals who escaped from this system revealing that the average duration of service was 6.5 years. Alarmingly, some conscripts reported serving for over 12 years, highlighting the potential for prolonged military commitment without a clear endpoint. The implications of such a system are profound, affecting not only the lives of the conscripts but also the broader societal structure, as individuals are often unable to pursue education or stable employment during their service. This indefinite nature of conscription raises questions about human rights and the ethical considerations of mandatory military service, particularly when the duration is subject to arbitrary command decisions. The experiences of these conscripts underscore the need for a reevaluation of national service policies to ensure they align with contemporary values of individual rights and freedoms.
Primary Reference: Service for Life State Repression and Indefinite Conscription in Eritrea
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