2 October: International Day of Non-Violence Seminar/workshop in the Buffer Zone in Nicosia, Cyprus

non violence The International Day of Non-Violence is marked on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian independence movement and pioneer of the philosophy and strategy of non-violence.

According to General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/271 of 15 June 2007, which established the commemoration, the International Day is an occasion to "disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness". The resolution reaffirms "the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence" and the desire "to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence". Mahatma Gandhi had said:

"Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man".
 
On 2 October 2012, on the occasion of the International Day of Non-Violence, the European Bureau for Conscientious Objection (EBCO), the POST Research Institute (POST RI) and the Initiative for Conscientious Objection in Cyprus organise a seminar/workshop in the Buffer Zone in Nicosia, Cyprus, with the support of the Youth in Action programme of the European Union.
 
Place: CCMC (Cyprus Community Media Centre), Ledra Palace Buffer Zone, 1703, Nicosia Date and Time: Tuesday 2 October 2012, 19:00
 
Programme:
· Welcome and introduction to the seminar/workshop – Gina Chappa, EBCO Board Member
· Commemoration of Gerd Greune (Former EBCO President and co-founder) – Gina
Chappa, EBCO Board Member
· Non-violence vs. pacifism - Mehves Beyidoglu Onen, POST RI President
· Conscientious Objection in Cyprus and Europe - Murat Kanatli, Member of the Initiative
for Conscientious Objection in Cyprus
· Non-violence and peace education - Loizos Loukaides, POST RI Member
· Discussion