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                                                                                                    Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nonviolent Peaceforce?

Formed at the 1999 Hague Appeal for Peace and inaugurated in Delhi, India in 2002, Nonviolent Peaceforce is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating an international peace army of civilians trained in non-violent strategies. Nonviolent Peaceforce responds to requests for help anywhere in the world, using proven methods of non-violence to assist human rights workers and to prevent violence, death, chaos and destruction. The need is great: it’s estimated that only 1,000 people trained in non-violence could have prevented the violence and genocide that devastated Yugoslavia in 1998.

Nonviolent Peaceforce represents an alternative to massive military intervention that many people hope for. It is a key component in the development of a strategic, cohesive, non-violent response to brutality and threats of genocidal violence.

Why is Nonviolent Peaceforce necessary?

In the 20th century, the international community was unable respond in a timely or effective manner to crises that led to devastating armed conflicts, brutal violence, and genocide—Kosovo and Rwanda being two examples. Sometimes the world chose not to respond, and sometimes it responded after a long delay and much deliberation with bombs and troops. Both of these responses led to untold human misery and destruction. The formation of Nonviolent Peaceforce and its standing “peace army” is a new and creative alternative to stop the violence and human rights abuses before they reach crisis levels by quickly deploying trained, non-violent peacemakers to defuse areas at risk.

Does Non-violence work?

Yes. Deliberate, third party non-violent intervention is a historically proven technique used successfully around the world. In many situations it is the only action that works. Non-violence has changed policies and governments, and been effective in popular movements that confront power and injustice, resist terror and defend human rights.

How is Nonviolent Peaceforce unique?

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) has learned from and builds upon the work of other groups using non-violent techniques, but is unique in several ways.

• NP is a truly international organization from the top down. Nonviolent Peaceforce has world regional offices and a 15-member International Governing Council (IGC) with representatives from every continent.
• NP creates a permanent, large scale and paid peace army.
• NP is not affiliated with a national, religious, or political viewpoint, which gives credibility to its neutral stance.
• NP does not take sides in a conflict, but instead creates the emotional and physical space between parties that enables them to discuss differences and reach their own solutions.
• NP’s field members receive training in non-violent, third party intervention strategies as well as training specific to the people, language and culture of the conflict area they are sent to.

Nobel Peace Prize winners, government representatives and the Dalai Lama have endorsed Nonviolent Peaceforce.

How does Nonviolent Peaceforce work?

Nonviolent Peaceforce is deployed at the invitation of local groups in the at-risk country who are working for peaceful change or resolution. The International Governing Council (IGC) of Nonviolent Peaceforce determines whether there is a clear mandate for intervention. If there is, Nonviolent Peaceforce Field Leadership team for the area—in consultation with local groups and the IGC—tailors specific strategies and objectives for the conflict area. Strategies could include accompanying local peace or human rights advocates, facilitating communication among the groups in conflict, monitoring elections or cease fires, training locals in conflict resolution, or other strategies as appropriate. As soon as possible, the Peaceforce will turn over their work to local groups, since only those affected can create a lasting peace.

In 2003 the Nonviolent Peaceforce is beginning a pilot project involving 50 field members in Sri Lanka, a nation torn by civil war. The goal is to train 2,000 active members, 4,000 reserves, and 5,000 support personnel over a six-year period. It takes $29,900 to support one field member for a year.

How are Nonviolent Peaceforce Field Members trained?

All field team members must attend a core training lasting four weeks. In addition project-specific training of three to eight weeks is provided, prior to deployment. Training includes local language(s), cultural sensitization, exposure to the nature of the conflict, and ways to engage participants peacefully. When appropriate, highly visible participants such as Nobel Peace Prize winners, religious leaders and former government leaders will be recruited as Nonviolent Peaceforce field members. Each field member commits to serving two years, or joins a reserve with a commitment to contribute a minimum of six months over a 3 year period. Field members and their support personnel are paid while on duty, and in addition, since the risk of death or injury is present in non-violent interventions, Nonviolent Peaceforce is currently exploring the issue of providing death and injury benefits to Nonviolent Peaceforce field members. Site deployments will be evaluated with great care, however, and no unnecessary risks will be taken. In similar situations Peace Brigades International suffered no casualties in over 25 years

How is Nonviolent Peaceforce different from UN Peacekeepers?

UN peacekeepers are not trained in nonviolence and frequently act as an armed force to restrain civil disorder or violence at the request of the UN Security Council. They are not trained to resolve underlying tensions or conflicts. By contrast, Nonviolent Peaceforce is preventive, not reactive in nature, and is comprised of civilians trained in nonviolent techniques. Its mission is to prevent warfare and violence before they occur by enabling conflicting groups to enter into a discussion where all parties are heard and real solutions can be found.

What kinds of challenges does Nonviolent Peaceforce face?

A major challenge for Nonviolent Peaceforce is non-alignment or non-partisanship in a conflict area. Nonviolent Peaceforce must tread carefully to avoid being unduly influenced, hold to its mission and cooperate with other groups without compromising its principles. Field directors will be trained to be aware of and deal with these complex issues, and diverse funding sources and personnel will help prevent alignment with power structures.

How can I support Nonviolent Peaceforce locally?

Affinity Groups are community groups of volunteers who support the goals of Nonviolent Peaceforce, promote the growth and development of the organization, and educate themselves and the public about living non-violently. Upon deployment of Nonviolent Peaceforce field teams, Affinity Groups support the mission and field team members. More details on how to get more involved in Canada, will be available shortly

Donors make the work of Nonviolent Peaceforce possible, and play a critical role in making it a success. Anyone who believes in the need to promote a non-violent world is encouraged to make a donation. Donations made in Canada are not currently eligible for a tax receipt. To make a donation on-line please click here

To make a dontation directly to NP Canada please mail a cheque to the address below:

Nonviolent Peaceforce Canada

60 Lowther Road

Toronto, Ontario

M5R 1C7

THANK YOU!

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