7 October 1993

Doc. 6949

MOTION FOR A RECOMMENDATION

on deserters and draft resisters from

the republics of the former Yugoslavia 1

presented by Mr EISMA and others

1.       The Assembly is horrified by the continuation of the inhuman war in former Yugoslavia and by the barbaric acts that have been committed by all the parties.

2.       On all sides numerous deserters and draft resisters have decided to reject the logic of nationalism and war.

3.       Reports suggest that conscription and arbitrary recruitment are being deliberately used as a measure against persons who are critical of the government and also affect members of ethnic minorities of whom some, such as Roma gypsies, do not even possess the citizenship of the country concerned.

4.       It is also reported that deserters and draft resisters who have taken refuge in some republics of the former Yugoslavia as well as in some Council of Europe member states face deportation back to their country of origin where they would risk severe repercussions.

5.       Draft resisters and deserters, given their response to the international community's appeal for peace, could play an important role in the reconstruction of post-war Yugoslavia.

6.       Consequently, the Assembly calls on the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe:

i.       to develop standards to protect deserters and draft resisters who do not wish to take part in nationalist wars which it has unequivocally condemned;

ii.       to urge the governments of all the member states to provide deserters and draft resisters from the former Yugoslavia with a legal status, and not allow them to be deported back, and to exert the strongest pressure on the authorities of the republics of the former Yugoslavia to do the same;

iii.       to develop programmes and projects, with financing from the Social Development Fund, which seek to provide possibilities for training or further education for deserters and draft resisters.

Signed:

Eisma, Kirkhill, Hadjidemetriou, Hunt, Lopez Henares,

Saudargas, Brennan, Franck, Brito, Aguiar

1 ¹ 1. This text only represents the views of the individual members who have signed it. It does not reflect a position adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly.