International Conscientious Objectors' Day

International Conscientious Objectors' Day 2015 will be marked around the world on Friday with prayers, ceremonies, vigils, drama production, talks and other events. The theme this year is women conscientious objectors. In the UK there will be events in London, Edinburgh, Brighton, Portsmouth and Liverpool.

London

The First World War Peace Forum will hold a ceremony of remembrance this Friday at 12 noon in Tavistock Square, London WC1. Among the speakers are Sheila Triggs of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom which this year celebrates its centenary, and Mia Tamarin, a young woman who served four prison terms as an Israeli conscientious objector.

Names of other conscientious objectors from around the world will be read out during the ceremony and flowers will be laid at the Conscientious Objectors' stone in the square. Music will be provided by members of Raised Voices and the Red and Green choir.

The CO ceremony is being organised by the First World War Peace Forum - a coalition made up of Conscience, Fellowship of Reconciliation, Movement for the Abolition of War, Network for Peace, Pax Christi, Peace News, Peace Pledge Union, Quaker Peace and Social Witness, the Right to Refuse to Kill group and the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.

Edinburgh

Conscientious Objectors' Day Vigil from 5 - 6:30pm on the Mound, Princes St, Edinburgh Remembering Conscientious Objectors of all wars, past and present, especially those of the First World War. We will be reading the names and hear some of the stories of Conscientious objectors. With Protest in Harmony. Organised by Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre Contact: Brian Larkin - tel (44) (0)131 229 0993 - mob (44) (0)7584492257

Brighton

Troublesome People - world premiere of a new play by Jill Hass. A character-led drama that portrays the Second World War through the eyes of conscientious objectors and Jewish refugees working for farmers on the Isle of Man. 8.45 pm Friday 15 May - Lantern Theatre, 10 Rock Place, Kemp Town, Brighton BN2 1PF www.ashrowtheatre.com Contact: Rowan Scarborough, Artistic Director/ Producer, 07850 648 941

Liverpool

Liverpool Quakers with Merseyside Peace Network will run a stall in School Lane near the Bluecoat or, if wet, in the Quaker Meeting foyer. Display about local conscientious objectors during World War One, and worldwide today. In the evening Emily Johns will speak about 'The World is my country', her exhibition of posters, poems and songs associated with World War One. 7 - 8.30pm at Quaker Meeting House, 22 School Lane, L1 3BT

Portsmouth

In recognition of International Conscientious Objectors' Day Portsmouth Quakers are having a prayer meeting at 2pm at the Friends House, 25 Northwood Road, Portsmouth PO2 9Q7