Siviilipalvelus

Siviilipalvelus, or civiltjänst ("civilian service"), is an alternative service in Finland. It is provided as an alternative to military service provided by Article 127 of the Finnish constitution for conscientious objectors. The service length is 347 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.

This alternative service option has existed since 1931 thanks to the efforts of conscientious objector Arndt Pekurinen, although non-religious objections were 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.

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 centre.

Siviilipalvelus begins with a one-month training period at the Siviilipalveluskeskus (Lapinjärvi Educational Center) 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.

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.

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Wikipedia