The NEST Project: Nonviolent Engagement for Safety and Security Transformation

About this project

The world is experiencing a surge of violent conflict and re-militarization. Authoritarian regimes have become more effective at co-opting and circumventing norms and institutions meant to protect basic liberties. Those in power tell us security can be maintained by isolating ourselves from others’ suffering, or by enclosing and eliminating the people who threaten our (way of) life.Ongoing cycles of violent conflict present a different picture, showing us that the idea of ‘security from the enemy other’ is not working. While armed approaches to security continue to play an important role, they are costly, externally imposed, ungrounded in local realities, and have heavy environmental and climate consequences. Moreover, their reliance on weapons and the use of force reinforces a culture of militarization. Armed peacekeepers are restricted by narrow mandates and struggle to address diverse civilian protection concerns. Protection provided by humanitarians is largely remedial, mitigating impact. Both the humanitarian protection and PoC agendas for change still inadequately appreciate the roles civilians can play in their own protection.NP has worked since its inception to facilitate alternative pathways to security through a practical, forward leaning and community-led approach to direct protection that is effective, affordable, and eco-friendly. While this approach – Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP) - is increasingly recognized within peacekeeping and humanitarian communities…

Published by

Nonviolent Peaceforce South Sudan · International NGO

Countries

South Sudan, Sudan, Congo - Kinshasa, Iraq

Sectors

Civilian peace-building, conflict prevention and resolution

Funded by

Netherlands - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Implemented by

Nonviolent Peaceforce

Published by Nonviolent Peaceforce South Sudan to the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI), last updated 8 Jul 2026 and imported automatically. IATI identifier: XI-IATI-CHE442839246-XM-DAC-7-PPR-24-0000512.

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