Moldova: Information on whether it is possible for a reservist to be a conscientious objector
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 January 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | MDA16286.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Moldova: Information on whether it is possible for a reservist to be a conscientious objector, 1 January 1994, MDA16286.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6aaf49c.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The following adds to the information provided in Response to Information Request MDA14499 of 22 June 1993.
According to an analyst at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), a law on conscientious objectors was passed a few months prior to Moldova's declaration of independence in August 1991 (31 Jan. 1994). The source indicated that, according to the law, conscripts may object to military service for religious or pacifist reasons (ibid.). The source also stated that, because the Moldovan army is so small, the number of conscripts available on the right bank of the Dniestr often exceeds the number of conscripts needed and, therefore, even if there are many objectors, it is not consequential for the army (ibid.).
The analyst was unsure whether the law currently applies to reservists (ibid.). He also indicated that the State is not organized enough to enforce periodic training for reservists and that, in fact, such training does not take place (ibid.).
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB 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.
References
Analyst with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Research Institute, Munich. 31 January 1994. Telephone interview.
