Sir Michael Tippett, Peace Pledge Union President and a conscientious objector unveiles the Conscientious Objectors Stone in Tavistock Square, London. 1995..

How it began

The International Conscientious Objectors’ Day was initiated by the International Conscientious Objectors' Meeting (ICOM). The ICOM was an annual meeting of COs and their supporters held throughout the world to exchange ideas and offer solidarity.

In 1982 when compulsory conscription was still wide spread throughout Europe and the world ICOM at their annual meeting annual meeting decided to co-ordinate their resistance with simultaneous protests and actions in countries around the world and 15 May was chosen as the day for for this. This was repeated the following May when the day became European Conscientious Objectors’ Day. As interest spread the following year later the name changed to International Conscientious Objectors’ Day and has been observed around the world since.

On International Conscientious Objectors' day in 1995 Sir Michael Tippett, Peace Pledge Union President and a one time conscientious objector unveiled the Conscientious Objectors Stone in Tavistock Square, London a few steps from the Peace Pledge Union offices. Events have taken place each year at the stone since. In recent years stones commemorating conscientious objectors have been established in Carlisle, Leicester and Swansea.

Download the Remembering War Resister pamphlet here.

Past events
CO DAY 2016 | programme | events
CO DAY 2015 | programme
CO DAY 2014 | video | brochure


COs remembered 2016
Men who died wallchart

Everything you always wanted to know about conscientious objection. | more
Also available: associated supplementary teaching and study material | more