Marking International Conscientious Objectors Day

May 14th, 2024

Tavistock Square memorial to conscientious objectors

Source: Peace Pledge Union

International Conscientious Objectors' Day is on 15 May and events are happening in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds, Wokingham and elsewhere, paying tribute to brave conscientious objectors (COs) who refuse to kill.

NATIONAL CEREMONY LONDON 15 May 1pm

Can be attended in person or online.

Speeches and music have been organised in front of the conscientious objectors' memorial stone in Tavistock Square, Central London. This year the ceremony will pay tribute to the struggles of COs in Israel, as well as in Russia, Ukraine and many other countries around the world. Speakers include Or, an Israeli conscientious objector and member of the feminist anti-militarist organisation, New Profile. And Semih Sapmaz from War Resisters' International, speaking about the contemporary struggles of COs around the world. Speeches will be followed by a reading of COs' names from across history. Flowers will be laid on the memorial stone, followed by a minute's silence.

For online, visit this page at the time (1pm) and see it live: www.ppu.org.uk/international-conscientious-objectors-day-may-15th

EVENT IN EDINBURGH 15 May 5.40pm

Meet at the corner of Castle Street/Princes Street to show solidarity with COs in Israel, Ukraine, Russia and around the world. Present will be Protest in Harmony, and speakers from Campaign Against the Arms Trade, Scottish Women's International League for Peace & Freedom, Secure Scotland and relatives of COs. Statements will be read out from Israeli COs and COs past and present who have stood up for peace in a time of militarism will be remembered.

Then the group moves to the peace tree in Princes Street gardens and waves white hankies in solidarity with COs past and present. Please bring a white hankie to shake, and your own images to remember particular COs, and your anti-war, pro-peace posters and banners.

https://COday2024.eventbrite.co.uk

For events in other cities see: www.ppu.org.uk/events

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