Siviilipalvelusjärjestelmä

Siviilipalvelusjärjestelmä, often referred to as "sivari" in Finnish, is Finland's system of civilian service as an alternative to compulsory military service. All Finnish men are subject to conscription, and those who object to military service on grounds of conscience can apply for civilian service. This application process typically involves a hearing before a civilian service board, where the applicant must justify their conscientious objection.

Upon approval, individuals are assigned to civilian service duties in various sectors of society. These roles are often within non-profit organizations, social welfare institutions, educational facilities, or government agencies. The duration of civilian service has historically been longer than that of military service, though the difference has been reduced over time. The aim of civilian service is to contribute to society while respecting the individual's deeply held beliefs.

The Finnish civilian service system is overseen by the Ministry of Justice. It is designed to ensure that those who cannot participate in military service can still fulfill their civic duty by contributing to the common good through alternative means. The system is a well-established part of Finland's legal and social framework, reflecting a commitment to both national defense and individual freedoms of conscience.