1. What is Nonviolent Peaceforce?
2. Why is Nonviolent Peaceforce necessary?
3. Does nonviolence work?
4. In which ways is Nonviolent Peaceforce unique?
5. How does Nonviolent Peaceforce work?
6. How are Nonviolent Peaceforce field team members trained?
7. How is Nonviolent Peaceforce different from UN Peacekeepers?
8. What kinds of challenges does Nonviolent Peaceforce face?
9. How can I support Nonviolent Peaceforce locally?
ANSWERS
1. What is Nonviolent Peaceforce?
The International Convening EventConceived by a group of participants at the 1999 Hague Appeal for Peace and constituted in the 2002 Convening Event in Surajkund, India, Nonviolent Peaceforce is a non-profit organisation dedicated to creating an international peaceforce of civilians trained in nonviolent strategies. Nonviolent Peaceforce responds to requests for help anywhere in the world, using proven methods of nonviolence to protect human rights, deter violence and help create space for local peacemakers to carry out their work. The need is great: it has been estimated that as few as 1,000 people trained in nonviolence could have prevented the violence and genocide that devastated Yugoslavia in 1998.
Nonviolent Peaceforce represents the hope of many people for an alternative to massive military intervention. It is a key component in the development of a strategic, cohesive, nonviolent response to brutality and threats of genocidal violence.
2. Why is Nonviolent Peaceforce necessary?
In the 20th century, the international community was 
unable to 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 with bombs and troops. Both of these responses led to untold human misery and destruction. The formation of Nonviolent Peaceforce and its standing peace teams represent a new and powerful alternative to stop violence and human rights abuses before they reach crisis levels by quickly deploying trained, nonviolent peacemakers.
Yes. Deliberate, third-party nonviolent intervention is a historically proven technique used successfully around the world. In many situations it is the only action that works. Nonviolence has changed policies and governments, and been effective in popular movements that confront power and injustice, resist terror, and defend human rights.
4. In which ways is Nonviolent Peaceforce unique?
Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) has learned from and builds upon the work of other groups using nonviolent techniques, but is unique in several ways:
Uganda - Women at well
5. How does Nonviolent Peaceforce work?
Nonviolent Peaceforce is deployed only at the invitation of local groups who are working for peaceful change or resolution in a country at risk. The International Governance Council (IGC) of Nonviolent Peaceforce determines whether there is a clear mandate for intervention. If there is, Nonviolent Peaceforce sends an exploratory team which, 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 ceasefires, training locals in conflict resolution, or other strategies as appropriate. Nonviolent Peaceforce also looks for exit strategies, with the intent to turn over its work to local groups, since only those affected can ultimately create a lasting peace.
In 2003, Nonviolent Peaceforce began a pilot project in Sri Lanka, a nation torn by civil war. By September 2005, 25 field team members served in four field locations. By January 2007, 50 local and international peacekeepers were deployed in some of the most vulnerable areas in the east and north of the country. It takes 30,000 USD to support one field team member for one year.
6. How are Nonviolent Peaceforce field team members trained?
NP Training Group Activity Basic training is six weeks long and includes training in local language(s), the area’s culture, 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 may be recruited as Nonviolent Peaceforce field team members. Each field team member commits to serving for two years.
Field team members and their support personnel are paid while on duty. In the future, college scholarships and contributions to retirement funds will be part of a compensation package. Nonviolent Peaceforce also provides death and injury insurance to field team members. Site deployments are evaluated with great care and no unnecessary risk is taken.
7. 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.
8. 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, to hold to its mission, and to cooperate with other groups without compromising its principles. Field team coordinators are trained to be aware of and deal with these complex issues, and diverse funding sources and personnel help prevent alignment with power structures.
9. How can I support Nonviolent Peaceforce locally?
Donors make the work of Nonviolent Peaceforce possible, and play a critical role in our success. Anyone who believes in the need to promote a nonviolent world is encouraged to contribute.
You may want to get involved in your local chapter.
Please take part in our many initiatives or join the Emergency Response Network. Consult the employment section, the internship or volunteer opportunities.
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