NP aims to create a large-scale pool of trained, international, unarmed civilian peaceworkers ready to serve in conflict areas around the world. NP will pool the resources and experiences of NGOs around the world in order to be able to mount larger-scale peace projects than any one NGO has so far been able to. These will focus on civilian peace projects, the protection of civilians and reducing levels of violence through international presence, monitoring and accompaniment.

Peaceworkers UK is a founding member of NP, and our Director, Tim Wallis, has been involved in the development of this project since it was first mooted at an international peace conference in 1999. After three years in gestation, NP was launched as an international NGO in November 2002.

NP has undertaken extensive research into the theory and practice of nonviolent intervention. It has built worldwide support and currently has over 90 member organisations, with thousands of endorsements including Nobel Peace Prize laureates. It is currently operating its first project in Sri Lanka.

Nonviolent Peaceforce's Methods

At the invitation of local groups, NP will deploy hundreds of peaceworkers to protect human rights, prevent violence, and enable peaceful resolution of conflict using proven methodologies. Our Field Team members use many techniques to reduce and prevent violence, each applied appropriately to particular circumstances.

These include:
• Accompanying civil society activists
• Providing protective presence in villages and at public events
• Monitoring demonstrations and other volatile situations
• Connecting people to resources
• Linking local leaders, local authorities, community based organizations (CBOs), and other individuals
• Introducing other NGOs and INGOs to the area
• Consulting with local activists and people in general on options what to do in crisis
• Providing safe places to meet.

For further information, visit the NP International website.