Unarmed Civilian Peacekeeping

Unarmed civilian peacekeeping (UCP) or accompaniment describes activities by which unarmed civilians protect other civilians and themselves in the midst of violent political conflict without weapons or threat of force. UCP’s foremost focus is on the reduction or prevention of physical violence and would hence first be associated with negative peace. In this chapter we argue that UCP also makes major contributions to processes that may lead to positive peace. Not only does the unarmed civilian peacekeepers’ protection and prevention work open up safe(r) space for actors working towards life enhancement and peace cultures. The way UCP works also crucially contribute to processes of positive peace by means of providing role models, offering alternative conflict resolution strategies, being inclusive, and supporting self-sustaining structures of conflict resolution and prevention at community level. At times, these processes help reconnect communities that have been fractured along ethnic, religious, or other lines, which supports a deeper peace over time.