Yugoslavia: 1) What is the status and nature of conscription in Yugoslavia? 2) What is the status and nature of the practice of religion in Yugoslavia?

1) An Amnesty International report on conscientious objection to military service states that a twelve month term (nature of conscription) of military service is compulsory (status of conscription) in Yugoslavia for all able-bodied men over the age of 18 [ Amnesty International, 1988, Conscientious Objection to Military Service, London: Amnesty International: 23; the section on Yugoslavia is attached.]. A United Nations publication on conscientious objection states that the length of service ranges from 18 to 24 months depending on the branch of the armed forces and that an exemption can be given for special family circumstances [ Eide A. and C. Mubanga-Chioya, 1985, Conscientious Objection to Military Service, New York: United Nations: 24; the extracts concerning Yugoslavia, attached, do not specify the nature of the family circumstances mentioned.]. Amnesty International notes that those who continue to refuse conscription can face prosecution; the same source mentions the case of ten objectors who have served three prison sentences for repeatedly refusing military service [ Amnesty International, 1988, Idem: 6-7.]. Another source, the Canadian Embassy in Belgrade, states that military service is mandatory, lasts twenty-two months, and that those aged 18 to 27 are eligible. The embassy further indicates that there is a new provision for conscientious objection allowing for alternative duties in the military, with an extended period of service (24 months) [Canadian Department of External Affairs, Belgrade, Yugoslavia (to CPO Huntley), Calgary, 29 May 1989.]. In addition, it is possible that a conscript may be recalled later on in life for short periods of training or during periods of threat to internal security related to unrest in the country [ The recent unrest in Serbia has led, for example, to an increase in military personnel in the region (reported in: The Economist, 11 July 1989: 38, "Yugoslavia: Fighting Back", and Le Monde, 28 February 1989, "Belgrade décide d'envoyer de nouvelles unités anti-émeutes au Kosovo").].

2) Restrictions on religious practice vary greatly from republic to republic in Yugoslavia [ United States of America, Department of State, 1989, Country Reports on :Human Rights Practices for 1988, Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office: 1260.]. Roman Catholicism is one of the largest faiths and its adherents are not subject to overt persecution, according to the U.S. Department of State [ Ibid.]. Open practice, however, can bar access to high level official positions and Party members taking part in religious sacraments risk disciplinary action or expulsion from the Party [ Ibid.]. The Catholic church has been accused of supporting Croatian nationalism and in the Republic of Croatia, the government perceives Catholicism as a threat to the Communist monopoly of power [ The New York Times Magazine, 13 April 1986, "Yugoslavia since Tito", F.M. Bordewich; please find this article attached for more information.]. Similarly, the Serbian Orthodox Church has been accused by authorities of spawning nationalist sentiment among the Serbian community of Yugoslavia [ Ibid.]. An Amnesty International publication on Yugoslav prisoners of conscience mentions that members and officials of the Roman Catholic church have been charged and detained for "hostile propaganda" or "incitement to national or religious hatred" [Amnesty International, 1985, Yugoslavia: Prisoners of Conscience, London: Amnesty International: 15; see excerpt attached.]. The World Encyclopedia of Political Systems and Parties claims that unlike the Orthodox Christian and Muslim religions, the Roman Catholic hierarchy has been at odds with the Party and State since the beginning of the Communist period and has consistently collided with the authorities [ Delury G.E. 1987, World Encyclopedia of Political Systems and Parties Vol II, New York: Facts on File Publications: 1291; please find the relevant section attached.].

Bibles are readily available and contacts with coreligionists abroad are extensive [ Op. cit., U.S. Department of State.]. The Catholic Church maintains eight secondary schools, two theological faculties, and five seminaries in Yugoslavia [ Ibid: 1261.].