Military service in the Republic of Lithuania is a constitutional duty of citizens to perform compulsory initial military service or equivalent alternative national defence service, as well as to defend the state.
According to the Law on Military Service, the obligation applies to men aged 18-23, and in certain cases up to 26. While military service is often presented as a necessary measure to ensure state defence, it is also highly relevant in the context of human rights – especially regarding freedom of religion and belief, gender equality, the prohibition of discrimination, and the possibility to choose alternative service. The position of some international organizations, such as the United Nations Human Rights Committee, is clear: states must ensure that compulsory service does not violate rights and freedoms. Therefore, the issue of service remains relevant both in Lithuania and worldwide, from legal and societal perspectives – particularly when evaluating whether its application is compatible with human rights protection principles.
Military service and human rights
Military service raises fundamental human rights questions. First, it relates to freedom of religion and belief – international documents, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, obligate states to provide the option of alternative service for individuals unable to serve due to their convictions. The gender equality aspect is also important – currently, service in Lithuania is mandatory only for men, which raises questions of possible inequality. Moreover, it is essential to ensure that the rights of conscripts are properly protected throughout the process – from the call-up to the completion of service.
About this section
This section of the Guide aims to provide an overview of the application of military service in Lithuania from a human rights perspective. Here you will find information on the legal regulation of military service, forms of service itself, duration, possibilities for exemption or deferral, social guarantees, and related human rights challenges.