People in their nineties who were conscientious objectors in World War Two will tomorrow join an online ceremony in support of conscientious objectors past and present around the world.
The event to mark International Conscientious Objectors' Day falls just a week after events to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
Hundreds of people of varied ages and backgrounds from around the UK are expected to join the ceremony at 12.00 noon tomorrow (Friday 15 May 2020). It can be accessed via the Peace Pledge Union website and will be broadcast on Youtube. Similar events are planned around the world.
The UK-based ceremony is organised by a collection of twelve charities and campaign groups, including the Peace Pledge Union (PPU). The PPU supported around 60,000 conscientious objectors during World War Two.
The ceremony will offer support to people still imprisoned around the world for refusing to kill, in countries including Israel, Eritrea and Singapore. The speakers will also uphold the right of people who are resisting conscription to claim asylum in other countries.
Speakers at the ceremony include actor Michael Mears, who will perform the words of pacifists in World War Two, and Niat Chefena Hailemariam from the Network of Eritrean Women, who will speak about resistance to conscription of both men and women in Eritrea.
The organisations behind the ceremony have produced suggestions for marking International Conscientious Objectors' Day during lockdown, with methods including putting posters in windows and filming solidarity messages. They are also publicising educational resources related to conscientious objection.
As well as tomorrow's UK-wide ceremony, other events include an online vigil for people in Scotland and more locally based events in areas including Leicester. There will be similar events all over the world, especially in countries in which conscription is in force.
Geoff Tibbs, Remembrance Project Manager at the Peace Pledge Union, said: “Many people know about the British conscientious objectors of the First and Second World Wars, who often faced terrible abuse and harsh treatment for their convictions. But around the world today there are still hundreds of people in prison for refusing to join the military. Many are forced to flee their home countries and seek asylum for asserting this right.
“Even during the coronavirus lockdown, there are still many ways you can stand in solidarity with conscientious objectors facing persecution today. The online ceremonies organised for 15 May give everyone a chance to pause and reflect on their example and their courage."
* Educational resources available here
* Peace Pledge Union https://www.ppu.org.uk/
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