The International Conscientious Objectors' Day

May 15, Wednesday

International Day of Conscientious Objectors is observed annually on 15 May. The day is dedicated to people who refuse to serve in the army or take part in armed conflicts for moral, religious or philosophical reasons. Such people, known as conscientious objectors, have historically faced persecution, discrimination and even imprisonment for their non-violent beliefs.

Objectives of International Day of Conscientious Objectors
Protection of human rights. The main objective of this day is to recognize and protect the right of every person to refuse participation in war or military service on the basis of his or her conscience. This right is an integral part of freedom of thought, conscience and religion, enshrined in international legal instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Support for objectors. International Day of Conscientious Objectors serves as a reminder of those who refused military service and suffered for their beliefs, and as a support for those who face discrimination or reprisals for their actions.

Promotion of pacifism. The holiday promotes the ideals of non-violence, peaceful resolution of conflicts and anti-militarism. It reminds us of the importance of working to reduce the level of militarization in society and to develop alternative methods of conflict resolution.

Informing the public. On this day, educational events are held to raise awareness of the right to refuse military service and the problems that conscientious objectors face in different countries.

Right to refuse military service
International documents such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights recognize the right of people to refuse military service for reasons of conscience. However, this right may be implemented differently in different countries:

In some countries, there is an alternative civilian service that allows conscientious objectors to perform community service instead of military service.

In other countries, refusing military service may result in legal sanctions, including criminal prosecution and imprisonment.

How this day is celebrated
Public events and actions. On this day, rallies, demonstrations and memorial events are held in support of conscientious objectors. Activists, human rights defenders and pacifist organizations participate in such events to show solidarity with those who suffer for their beliefs.

Information campaigns. Organizations working on human rights and pacifism conduct educational campaigns, publish materials, research and stories of conscientious objectors to draw attention to this topic.

Social media events. Recently, activists have used social media to conduct online campaigns, sharing stories of conscientious objectors and raising discussions on anti-militarism and human rights.

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The International Conscientious Objectors' Day in other years

2021 May 15, Saturday
2022 May 15, Sunday
2023 May 15, Monday
2025 May 15, Thursday

The International Conscientious Objectors' Day in other countries