This is a lawful way to refuse military service even under mobilization.” A human rights defender on alternative civilian service

“This is a lawful way to refuse military service even under mobilization.” A human rights defender on alternative civilian service

Alternative civilian service is still possible, even now, when the Russian army is waging war against Ukraine, when the authorities are trying to draw in as many new recruits as possible. TV Rain asked Sergei Krivenko, director of the human rights group “Citizen. Army. Law,” to explain the details.

It is a completely lawful path

Alternative civilian service has existed in Russia for more than 20 years. And it is a genuinely civilian institution, a truly real alternative to conscription.

And most importantly, it is a legal path without breaking any laws. More than that, it is a lawful way to refuse military service even under mobilization, if one begins. Many people already have that experience from four years ago.

It is service in civilian institutions with days off

ACS is genuinely civilian service: it takes place in civilian institutions, in the social sector, in hospitals, in nursing homes. Yes, it is hard work, but it is fundamentally different from compulsory military service.

People doing alternative service work under the labor code. That means you are not running around and carrying out commanders’ orders, but working according to your job schedule, job instructions, and in the position for which an employment contract has been signed.

You work eight hours a day, like at a regular job, and you receive a salary for it. Outside working hours, all the rest of the time is your own. During alternative service, vacation time is provided, and Saturday and Sunday are days off.

There are downsides too, but the advantages outweigh them

The downside is the low salary in the places where alternative service workers are assigned. And the term is 21 months, during which alternative civilian service is completed, meaning it is longer than one year of compulsory military service.

But under current conditions, there is no risk of being sent to war, no forced recruitment into a contract, which conscripted servicemen are subjected to practically from their first days in the army. And from many points of view, these advantages now outweigh the disadvantages.

The Telegram channel “Call to Conscience” has many stories from young men who are actually serving, who have actually received alternative civilian service. They talk about how it works, how they obtained this service, how they worried before the draft board, but were able to defend their rights.

Don’t want to go into the army? Open the guide. A partner project of TV Rain and “Call to Conscience.”