Join us online for International Conscientious Objectors’ Day on Friday 15th May

Event Date: 15th May 2020
Location: Internet - 12 Midday

Every year on May 15th we stand in solidarity with conscientious objectors around the world. Many are imprisoned or forced to flee their home countries for their convictions and resistance. On this day we also celebrate the memory of all those throughout history who have refused to bear arms and participate in war, including during the First and Second World Wars.

Usually ceremonies are held around the UK, including in Tavistock Square in London. This year due to the Coronavirus outbreak, all events will happen online, open to anyone in the UK or abroad.

National online ceremony – 12 Midday – Friday 15th May

Please join us for a minute’s silence, performances and speeches: https://www.ppu.org.uk/international-conscientious-objectors-day Actor Michael Mears will present a new performance piece based on testimonies from Second World War conscientious objectors. Niat Chefena Hailemariam from Network of Eritrean Women will speak about military service in Eritrea, which is compulsory for both men and women. To join the event, simply follow the link closer to the time for instructions: https://www.ppu.org.uk/international-conscientious-objectors-day

Later in the day there will be events organised by groups in several cities around the UK.  Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre will hold an Online Vigil at 5.30pm including poems, reflections and stories. At 6pm, ‘All Voices for Peace’, an online ceremony organised by Leicester CND, Soka Gakkai, Community of Christ and others will feature stories about conscientious objectors of many religious and political traditions. Click here for the full program of events: https://www.ppu.org.uk/international-conscientious-objectors-day

Four actions to show your support from home

This year we are also publicising several ways you can show support for conscientious objectors and make your voice heard.

•     Make a window poster for May 15th. You can download print-at-home posters here for colouring and decorating: https://www.ppu.org.uk/sites/default/files/CO_Day_2020_posters.pdf
•     Donate to help establish the Opposing War Memorial in Princes St Gardens in Edinburgh: https://peaceandjustice.org.uk/projects/co-memorial/
•     Use #CODay2020 to express your support and share the national ceremony on social media.
•     Post a video message of solidarity. War Resisters’ International are calling for videos to release on the day: https://wri-irg.org/en/programmes/rrtk/co-action-alert/2020/take-action-celebrating-international-conscientious-objection

If you’d like to explore further, there are many in-depth resources on conscientious objection now available through the PPU website, including videos, historical accounts and educational materials aimed at various age groups: https://www.ppu.org.uk/international-conscientious-objectors-day

If you are organising an event or action to mark International Conscientious Objectors’ Day, please let us know! Contact us on [email protected] or 020 7424 9444.