Peace is not just a state or the absence of war but a process. A process that strives toward the rule of law, nonviolence, protection of human rights, social justice, intercultural respect, and tolerance. In 1981, a group of experienced peace activists with the common goal of advancing this process in conflict zones founded “Peace Brigades International” (PBI) in Canada.
With the experience that sustainable social change in conflict-affected contexts must come from the people, PBI’s peacebuilding approach centers on the protective accompaniment of human rights defenders under threat. Here, the concept of an unarmed third party intervening in conflicts is applied, based on Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of a peaceful army. The concept is rooted in the principles of non-interference, non-partisanship, and nonviolence. In addition, creating an inclusive and participatory space for action is also quintessential for this type of conflict management. After all, sustainable peace can only be attained if the dialogue between the conflict actors is facilitated. Based on these principles, PBI only becomes active upon request and only supports civil society actors working non-violently and legally toward a just conflict resolution.
PBI’s work is based on integral protective accompaniment, including physical accompaniment, advocacy, and awareness-raising work. Internationally, the organization has established a network of contacts in politics, diplomacy, and civil society. Because for violent attacks to be effectively prevented, they must be made visible. Therefore, international solidarity and responsibility are essential for sustainable change in conflict zones. Other effective methods used to protect human rights defenders include workshops on psychosocial accompaniment and digital security.
Believing that peace is built on inclusion and tolerance, PBI emphasizes flat hierarchies in its organizational structure. All members are considered equal, and decisions are based on consensus at all levels. The partnership with the accompanied organizations is built on mutual trust, which is vital for providing adequate protection. PBI strives to share this horizontal model and nonviolent approach as broadly as possible with other civil society organizations.
Over the past 40 years of nonviolent interventions in conflict zones, PBI has continually adapted to the changing political and social circumstances on the ground. The ultimate goal is to withdraw from an area once international protective accompaniment is no longer needed. To meet the different realities and needs of human rights defenders affected by violence, a constant expansion of the protection model is indispensable. The organization will continue to work on this in the future.
