E/CN.4/1989/44 paqe 5 alternative service for conscientious objectors which are compatible with the reasons for conscientious objection" (resolution 1987/46). Accordinq to recent information collected by the Special Rapporteur, this recognition is far from beinq a reality in many countries. The problem is particularly acute in countries underqoinq an armed conflict; but it also occurs in a number of other countries, in nearly all the major reqions of the world. Conscientious objection may be an individual choice or derive directly from the observance of the precepts of certain reliqions. This means that members of reliqious qroups which view non-performance of military service as forminq part of the obliqations inherent in their creed may encounter serious difficulties when their riqht to conscientious objection is not recoqnized.