Atasoy and Sarkut v. Turkey

Abstract

Human rights — Admissibility of authors’ communication to Human Rights Committee — Consideration of merits — Right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion — Right to conscientious objection to military service — Whether inherent to right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion — Fundamental character of freedoms enshrined in Article 18(1) of Covenant — Civilian alternative to compulsory military service — Whether State Party could compel conscientious objector to undertake alternative civilian service — Nature of alternative service — International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966, Article 18 — Whether State Party violating its obligations under Article 18(1) of Covenant — Effective remedy