Military Service Act expansion urged for increased social services in DRC
Gerda Hasselfeldt, President of the German Red Cross (DRK), has called for a revision of the law on the New Military Service to include a civilian equivalent. In an interview with Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, Hasselfeldt emphasized the need for more engagement in society and saw the expansion of the military service law as an opportunity to address this need.
Hasselfeldt believes that the possible reintroduction of conscription should also include the possibility of conscientious objection. She noted that current voluntary services are primarily for young people from well-off families, and a civilian service program could provide a more equitable opportunity for all.
For a new civilian service, Hasselfeldt notes that necessary structures would need to be built. The German Red Cross, she suggested, should establish these structures. She also called for improvements in the offers for military service and voluntary social service, and for the creation of financial incentives.
Hasselfeldt highlighted that many young people are willing to engage in society but lack information about where and under what conditions this is possible. She advocates for more attractive conditions for voluntary social service, particularly in terms of financial incentives and the recognition of service years.
In addition, Hasselfeldt suggested that the number of conscientious objectors could exceed the number of those who could be voluntarily mobilized. She believes it is important to focus not only on military service but also on a civilian alternative for engagement in society.
Hasselfeldt also called for the state to provide comprehensive information to young people about societal engagement opportunities. She believes that the care sector would face challenges with the deployment of civilian service performers due to reduced staff availability and the inability of civilian service performers to replace regular staff.
Despite these challenges, Hasselfeldt emphasized the importance of a civilian service program. She suggested that young people should be offered counseling options regarding the possibility of social service for society. She believes that this would not only benefit society but also provide young people with valuable experiences and skills.
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