Siviilipalvelus
Encyclopedia
Siviilipalvelus or civiltjänst (Civilian), is alternative service
in Finland. Although it translates to civil service, the more accurate translation is compulsory community service. It is provided as an alternative to military service provided by article 127 of the Finnish Constitution for Conscientious objectors
. The service length is 362 days, changed from 395 days in 2008 (does not apply retroactively). It can be entered into by filing paperwork indicating that one has ethical or religious objections to military service.
, although non-religious objections where not allowed until a change of law in 1959. Until 1987, non-religious objections were examined by a Special Commission of Inquiry which was composed of a judge, a military officer, a representative of the social ministry, and a psychiatrist. Today, simply filing the correct paperwork suffices, and as such, many people opt for it simply as an alternative to military service while not having any special objections. An emergency state (in case of war, for example) still allows the usage of Special Commissions of Inquiry.
) in Lapinjärvi and continues with approximately 11 months of work duties at an approved non-profit organization or ministry or other government entity. A person cannot perform this service for a political party or trade union or a location from which they are earning income.
Housing arrangements are paid or arranged for during work duties by either KELA or the entity where the person is performing their service.
The entity is responsible for paying a food allowance (or providing meals on-site) and daily allowance money to the person performing their service.
18 personal vacation days are provided by law, in addition to 20 days performance vacation days (kuntoisuusloma) may be provided at the entity's discretion. Generally 2 performance vacation days are given during the training period if an entity where service can be performed has been located beforehand. If needed, 12 days of paternity leave can be provided.
A person may also be either freed or deferred for 3 years on medical grounds (C or E class).
A repeated offense will result in a prison sentence equal in length to half of the remaining service time. This, however, is not marked on a person's criminal record.
Alternative service
Alternative service is a form of national service performed in lieu of conscription for various reasons, such as conscientious objection, inadequate health, or political reasons. See "labour battalion" for examples of the latter case...
in Finland. Although it translates to civil service, the more accurate translation is compulsory community service. It is provided as an alternative to military service provided by article 127 of the Finnish Constitution for Conscientious objectors
Conscientious objector
A conscientious objector is an "individual who has claimed the right to refuse to perform military service" on the grounds of freedom of thought, conscience, and/or religion....
. The service length is 362 days, changed from 395 days in 2008 (does not apply retroactively). It can be entered into by filing paperwork indicating that one has ethical or religious objections to military service.
History
This alternative service option has existed since 1931 thanks to the efforts conscientious objector Arndt PekurinenArndt Pekurinen
Arndt Juho Pekurinen was a Finnish pacifist and conscientious objector....
, although non-religious objections where not allowed until a change of law in 1959. Until 1987, non-religious objections were examined by a Special Commission of Inquiry which was composed of a judge, a military officer, a representative of the social ministry, and a psychiatrist. Today, simply filing the correct paperwork suffices, and as such, many people opt for it simply as an alternative to military service while not having any special objections. An emergency state (in case of war, for example) still allows the usage of Special Commissions of Inquiry.
Applying
Alternative service can be entered into using a form. This form is submitted before service or during military service. If it is submitted during military service, the person must be released from doing military service at once. A community service location for the remaining 11 months should be chosen before entering alternative service for maximum choice. If a suitable location is not found, one will be assigned by the educational center.Starting service
Siviilipalvelus begins with a one-month training period at the Siviilipalveluskeskus (Lapinjärvi Educational CenterLapinjärvi Educational Center
The Lapinjärvi Educational Center is a schooling facility located in Lapinjärvi in southern Finland.The main purpose of the Educational Center is training for civilian service. Finnish civilian service law requires a compulsory general training period at the start of the service...
) in Lapinjärvi and continues with approximately 11 months of work duties at an approved non-profit organization or ministry or other government entity. A person cannot perform this service for a political party or trade union or a location from which they are earning income.
Benefits
Siviilipalveluskeskus provides for housing and food during the training-period.Housing arrangements are paid or arranged for during work duties by either KELA or the entity where the person is performing their service.
The entity is responsible for paying a food allowance (or providing meals on-site) and daily allowance money to the person performing their service.
18 personal vacation days are provided by law, in addition to 20 days performance vacation days (kuntoisuusloma) may be provided at the entity's discretion. Generally 2 performance vacation days are given during the training period if an entity where service can be performed has been located beforehand. If needed, 12 days of paternity leave can be provided.
Interruption
A person may request up to 180 days of personal leave(HSL-loma), but this is not counted into the service period. This is generally granted on a case per case basis.A person may also be either freed or deferred for 3 years on medical grounds (C or E class).
Discipline
If a person completing alternative service does not perform their work duties, the following consequences may occur:- Written warning
- Extension of work duties (at most 4 hours during 5 days)
- Loss of daily allowance money (at most twice, for 30 days maximum)
- Loss of personal holidays (at most 4 days per time)
A repeated offense will result in a prison sentence equal in length to half of the remaining service time. This, however, is not marked on a person's criminal record.