Actor Michael Mears to lead Conscientious Objectors' Day event

The National Ceremony to mark International Conscientious Objectors' Day will take place on Monday, 15 May in front of the memorial stone for conscientious objectors in Tavistock Square, London.

This year, the ceremony will focus on COs in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, as well as the often overlooked role of women COs across history. Hosted by the actor and playwright Michael Mears, there will be contributions from:

-Belarusian peace activist Olga Karach from Our House, who will will send a message on the situation faced by COs in Belarus today; Semih Sapmaz from War Resisters' International speaking on the global struggle of COs around the world and historian Ali Ronan speaking on the often overlooked role of women COs.

Speeches will be followed by a reading of COs' names from around the world. Flowers will be laid on the memorial stone, followed by a minute's silence.

To attend in person go to Tavistock Square, London - 1pm Monday 15th May 2023

For more information and to watch the livestream online, visit:
www.ppu.org.uk/international-conscientious-objectors-day-may-15th

This day is organised by a coalition of peace and human rights groups: Anglican Pacifist Fellowship, Conscience, Fellowship of Reconciliation, Movement for the Abolition of War, Network for Peace, Pax Christi, Peace & Justice (Scotland), Peace News, Peace Pledge Union, Quaker Peace and Social Witness, The Right to Refuse to Kill Group, War Resisters' International and Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.