The movement “No to compulsory military service” stresses its complete support to the conscientious objector Amir Eid and his right to full exemption from military service, which is guaranteed by the United Nations convention which was ratified by Egypt.
For a year and a half Amir, like all the young people in Egypt who are required to serve in the military service, has been prevented not just from traveling and studying, but also from working, which is in complete contrast with the basic human rights that are recognized by the international conventions.
Amir rejects compulsory recruitment as he refuses the idea of taking up arms and of forced labor, which the army institution imposes on the recruits, obliged to work for long hours for a very low salary.
Considering that the international and national legislations in their different forms recognize freedom of belief and conscience.
Considering that article 18 for the international convention of human rights stipulates that “everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion”.
Considering that the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights forbids any form of coercion that violates the freedom of religion and belief.
On the basis of the report released on July 1993 by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights concerning the right to conscientious objection to military service.
Since the Egyptian constitution in article 64 stipulated freedom of belief.
Since the National and the military service law established the presence of civil service as an alternative to military service and authorized the ministry of defense to determine the categories which deserve exemption from military service.
For these reasons, the movement is calling for Amir Eid to be exempt from the compulsory military service and, instead, to be allowed to serve in civil service, without supervision by any military institution.
Amir published his conscience objections on YouTube video
Also read the arabic statment