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Libya: Update to LBY10426.E/LBY15481.F on military service, and the possibilities of exemptions and/or postponements

Please see the attached document from War Resisters' International (September 1998) for information on military service, and the possibilities of exemptions and/or postponements.

During a 19 November 1998 telephone interview a Professor of Political Science at the University of Texas at San Antonio, who is in regular contact with Libyan nationals and who has written a book entitled Libya's Qaddafi: The Politics of Contradiction, said that "all rules are subject to change" in Libya and, as such, current practice in Libya should be understood as different than the written law. He said that women are generally not required to perform military service, although they do undergo military training in secondary school, as do boys. When asked about the period of service required of citizens, he stated that it was variable, with some serving two or three months while others may serve longer. According to this professor, it often "depends on the whim of the commanding officer." In May 1993 Colonel Qadhafi announced that service could be reduced from two years to one, but "if someone fails or misses or does not do well in general military training, then they will be liable to do the whole 24 months" (RLC 25 Oct. 1994). The professor also stated that it is not easy to get a medical exemption and that it has become more difficult to gain an exemption for family dependence. Alternative service is also sometimes possible for persons with professional qualifications so that, for example, a medical doctor may avoid military service by working in a rural hospital.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Refugee Legal Centre (RLC) [UK]. 25 October 1998. "Information Request LBY0110/25/94" (REFWORLD)

University of Texas at San Antonio. 19 November 1998. Telephone interview with a Professor of Political Science.

War Resisters' International. September 1998. Refusing to Bear Arms: A World Survey of Conscription and Conscientious Objection to Military Service. London: War Resisters International.

Attachment

War Resisters' International. September 1998. Refusing to Bear Arms: A World Survey of Conscription and Conscientious Objection to Military Service. London: War Resisters International.

Additional Sources Consulted

Electronic sources: IRB Databases, LEXIS/NEXIS, Internet, REFWORLD.

Seven non-documentary sources contacted did not provide information on the requested subject.

Topics: Military service,