National HCW committee backs official conscription pay-off

The Azerbaijan National Committee of the Helsinki Civil Watch (HCW) has proposed that an official pay-off system be introduced for those avoiding military conscription, similar to the experience of Turkey and Greece.

The Committee suggests that short-term courses be provided to such draftees and corresponding documents issued in the end, according to the head of the HCW National Committee Arzu Abdullayeva and chairperson of the Committee’s section for the rights of military men Taisiya Gordeyeva. The two were speaking to a news conference at the Human Rights Resource Center Thursday, dedicated to issues of enforcing civic control over power ministries.

Mrs. Gordeyeva said NGOs should be encouraged to take part in the decision-making on eligibility for military service by military medical commissions. The Committee also suggests that those failing to allot food and sanitary accessories to servicemen be held accountable. Besides, the Committee has proposed to reconsider absence without leave and death cases in the military.*