(17.4) note the provisions of the Sixth Protocol to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, concerning the abolition of the death penalty;
(17.5) note recent measures taken by a number of participating States towards the abolition of capital punishment;
(17.6) note the activities of several non-governmental organizations on the question of the death penalty;
(17.7) will exchange information within the framework of the Conference on the Human Dimension on the question of the abolition of the death penalty and keep that question under consideration;
(17.8) will make available to the public information regarding the use of the death penalty.
(18) The participating States
(18.1) note that the United Nations Commission on Human Rights has recognized the right of everyone to have conscientious objections to military service;
(18.2) note recent measures taken by a number of participating States to permit exemption from compulsory military service on the basis of conscientious objections;
(18.3) note the activities of several non-governmental organizations on the question of conscientious objections to compulsory military service;
(18.4) agree to consider introducing, where this has not yet been done, various forms of alternative service, which are compatible with the reasons for conscientious objection, such forms of alternative service being in principle of a non-combatant or civilian nature, in the public interest and of a non-punitive nature;
(18.5) will make available to the public information on this issue;
(18.6) will keep under consideration, within the framework of the Conference on the Human Dimension, the relevant questions related to the exemption from compulsory military service, where it exists, of individuals on the basis of conscientious objections to armed service, and will exchange information on these questions.
(19) The participating States affirm that freer movement and contacts among their citizens are important in the context of the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. They will ensure that their policies concerning entry into their territories are fully consistent with the aims set out in the relevant provisions of the Final Act, the Madrid Concluding Document and the Vienna Concluding Document. While reaffirming their determination not to recede from the commitments contained in CSCE documents, they undertake to implement fully and improve present commitments in the field of human contacts, including on a bilateral and multilateral basis. In this context they will
(19.1) strive to implement the procedures for entry into their territories, including the issuing of visas and passport and customs control, in good faith and without unjustified delay. Where necessary, they will shorten the waiting time for visa decisions, as well as simplify practices and reduce administrative requirements for visa applications;
(19.2) ensure, in dealing with visa applications, that these are processed as expeditiously as possible in order, inter alia, to take due account of important family, personal or professional considerations, especially in cases of an urgent, humanitarian nature;
(19.3) endeavour, where necessary, to reduce fees charged in connection with visa applications to the lowest possible level.
(20) The participating States concerned will consult and, where appropriate, co-operate in dealing with problems that might emerge as a result of the increased movement of persons.
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