Two South Korean conscientious objectors who were found guilty of illegally avoiding mandatory military service have taken their case to the U.N. Commission on Human Rights. It's the first time any South Korean has appealed such a case to the U.N. body.
The group representing the conscientious objectors said it had filed the appeal with the U.N. body Monday, and that the U.N. review of the case is expected to take three to four years.

The U.N. commission's decision will not be legally binding, but nonetheless the group is hoping that a ruling in favor of the objectors will put pressure on the South Korean government regarding the matter.

The two men, Jehovah's Witness believers, have been behind bars since the Supreme Court sentenced them to an 18-month prison term in July.

The U.N. Commission on Human Rights adopted a resolution in April that calls for the recognition of the right to refuse military obligations based on conscience and religion.