15th May is International Conscientious Objectors’ Day

Event Date: 15th May 2021
Location: Internet 4:30 pm BST

Saturday 15th May is International Conscientious Objectors’ Day

On the 15th May every year we remember the courage of those who have refused to kill and bear arms, and we show our solidarity with current conscientious objectors around the world, many of them facing imprisonment and persecution.

National Online Ceremony – 4.30pm, 15th May: www.CO-Day.org

This year’s online ceremony will focus on the ongoing reality and significance of conscientious objection today. We will hear about the struggles of conscientious objectors in Israel and Colombia. And for the first time we will bring together speeches and performances from around the UK. The event will feature music, a reading of names and a minute’s silence, as well as contributions from:

• Israeli conscientious objector Atalya Ben-Abba
• Natalia García Cortés from War Resisters’ International in Colombia
• Actor Michael Mears live from the Conscientious Objectors’ Commemorative Stone in Tavistock Square, London
• Radical singer and song leader Penny Stone
• Veterans for Peace member Brad Oliver

To watch the live stream, simply visit www.CO-Day.org at 4.30pm on Saturday 15th May. There is no need to register in advance, but if you want you can register here for email updates: https://www.ppu.org.uk/civicrm/event/info%3Fid%3D202%26reset%3D1

Please take a moment to share the event page: www.CO-Day.org or Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/148034950515468/

More events on 15th May, current campaigns and educational resources

A series of other online events happening on the day are listed at www.CO-Day.org

There you can also find out about current campaigns and a wealth of resources including:

• War Resisters’ International - this year focussing on conscientious objectors in Turkey
• Opposing War Memorial - Peace & Justice are seeking donations to establish this new memorial in Edinburgh
• Interactive map of conscientious objectors around the world
• In depth educational materials on COs from the First and Second World Wars