Military Service Avoidance and the definition of "refugee"

Military service is required by over 100 states and a majority of non-state armed groups practice forced recruitment. A majority of individuals in the world are, or have been at some point in their lives, subject to forced recruitment into the military or armed groups. It is not therefore surprising that the avoidance of military service is frequently a basis for refugee protection. This project explores the extent to which these individuals qualify for international protection as “refugees” under the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. The project uses a doctrinal methodology which draws upon UNHCR policy and the state practice of four leading refugee receiving jurisdictions (Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America).