Conscientious Objectors Day: It’s Your Right to Refuse to Fight

Every year on May 15th we remember conscientious objectors, both past and present. Around the world many people are imprisoned or forced to flee their home countries for refusing to join the armed forces. On May 15th we stand in solidarity with them, as well as celebrating the memory of those throughout history who have resisted conscription.

In the past five years, we have seen war rage in Europe and genocide take place in Palestine. Both acts of mass violence, have seen the importance of conscientious objection raised once again, as citizens refuse the turn to war. These brave people must be defended.

In Manchester, on 15th May in Peace Gardens, Lincoln Square, M2 5AD, we will be commemorating those who refuse to enlist in the armed forces by joining the international peace mobilisations. There will be readings, poems and a guided meditation commemorating Conscientious Objectors from both World Wars and current conflicts.

As in previous years we will have readings and reflections.

The Peace Pledge Union have given us the names of around 80 contemporary COs, and we have a statement from “Sasha” who has refused to fight for Russia. We also have material from the Refusers Network in Israel.

We are looking for about ten or twelve readers.

• Sasha’s story needs 3 men, each to read for two minutes.
• The CO names need 4 people each to read 20 names.Qaisra Shahraz, Erinma Bell and Ali Ronan are confirmed as readers and Siobhan Harpur will lead a meditation followed by an invited silence.
• Would you like to take part, and bring a reading of your choice?

If so, please reply as soon as possible to pamflynn@cooptel.net  cc alironan61@gmail.com

Please let us know if you will read names, read part of Sasha’s story, or bring your own reading.

Please also share this information widely and visit CO-Day.org to find out more about what is happening elsewhere.