345 People Assigned to Alternative Service in Belarus Over 10 Years

Ten years have passed since the law on alternative service came into force in Belarus. According to Siarhei Katsko, head of the Department for the Organization of the State Employment Service and Alternative Service at the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, 345 conscripts have been assigned to alternative service during that period.

“People do not enter alternative service simply by choice. They must have deeply held religious beliefs that prevent them from carrying or manufacturing weapons. This is determined by the conscription commission. Over the past 10 years, 345 young men have been assigned to such service. The largest number came from Hrodna Region — 85 people.”, BelTA reports, citing his remarks.

About half of those performing alternative service are Christians of the Evangelical Faith, while about 27% are Jehovah’s Witnesses. The group also includes Evangelical Christian Baptists, Orthodox Christians and representatives of other religious denominations.

According to the ministry official, more than 54% of those performing alternative service work at healthcare institutions. The rest are employed at residential care homes, territorial social service centres, as well as housing and utilities and forestry facilities.