E/CN.4/1992/52 page 122 "In the Republic of Panama there is no compulsory military service, only Panamanians are required to comply with article 306 of the Political Constitution, which reads: 'Art. 306: All Panamanians are obliged to take up arms to defend the national independence and territorial integrity of the State, except as provided in article 16 of this Constitution. The law will regulate the application of this provision and the conditions governing exemption from compliance with it. 1 " Portugal "Under article 41, No. 6, of the Constitution, the right to conscientious objection is guaranteed by law. The National Defence Act (Act 29/82 of 11 December) regards as objectors citizens who for religious, moral or philosophical reasons cannot legitimately, in accordance with their beliefs, use violent means of whatever nature against other people, even for reasons of national, collective or personal defence, and who have been recognized as objectors under the laws defining the status of conscientious objector. Act 6/85 of 4 May defines the status of conscientious objector. Under this act, conscientious objectors enjoy all the rights and have the same duties as are provided by the Constitution and the law for all citizens in general which are not incompatible with the status of conscientious objector (art. 10). The right to conscientious objection includes exemption from military service, whether in peacetime or in wartime. Nevertheless, objectors have to perform a civilian service [under conditions] at least as onerous as those of armed military service. In determining tasks and assigning duties to be performed in civilian service the preferences expressed by the person concerned have to be taken into account (art. 2 7 ) . " "Our country has no law establishing compulsory military service. Military service is completely voluntary." "Compulsory military service is governed by a special legislative provision, which in certain situations and circumstances protects those required to perform it. Exemption is granted in certain conditions."