Who we are
We create the space for peace to grow.
Peace Brigades International (PBI) provides life-saving protection and advocacy for human rights defenders. When activists are threatened for standing up for their communities, we stand with them. Our presence deters violence and ensures that the struggle for justice can continue.
Our Vision
We envision a world where people can stand up for their rights, their land, and their communities without fear of violence, harassment, or death. A world where the rule of law protects the brave, not the powerful.
Our Mission
PBI UK protects human rights defenders (HRDs) at risk. We provide a "Global Shield of Solidarity" through:
Physical Presence: Unarmed international volunteers walk alongside defenders, deterring violence by showing the world is watching.
Political Pressure: We bridge the gap between grassroots activists and UK policymakers to ensure international protection.
Capacity Building: We provide the tools—legal, digital, and physical—that communities need to stay safe while they lead their own struggles.
Our Strategy
To meet the rising tide of "lawfare" and environmental displacement, our current focus is on three key pillars:
Climate Justice: Prioritising protection for Indigenous land and water defenders who are the front line against climate change.
Digital Resilience: Equipping defenders with the cybersecurity tools needed to combat state-sponsored surveillance and online harassment.
UK Advocacy: Strengthening our network of legal professionals and MPs to respond rapidly when threats escalate in the field.
How we protect: The PBI model
PBI does not "save" people. We provide the safety and space for local communities to lead their own struggle for justice. We do this through a unique three-tier protection strategy:
1. Physical Presence (The Shield)
Our international volunteers walk alongside defenders in the field. Wearing our iconic green vests, they attend court hearings, join peaceful protests, and visit remote villages. This "unarmed bodyguiding" raises the political cost of an attack—because the world is watching.
2. Political Advocacy (The Pressure)
When threats escalate, PBI UK activates a global network. We brief UK MPs, meet with British Ambassadors, and alert UN Rapporteurs. We bridge the gap between a rural activist and the halls of power in London and Geneva.
3. Information & Visibility (The Spotlight)
Silence is a tool for oppressors. We publish objective reports, host speaking tours, and use digital media to ensure that the stories of defenders reach a global audience.
Our Guiding Principles
What makes PBI different is how we work. Every action we take is governed by these four core values:
Non-Partisanship: We do not interfere in the political goals of the people we protect. We defend the right to have a voice, regardless of political affiliation.
Non-Violence: We are strictly committed to peaceful conflict transformation and never use or carry weapons.
Local Request only: We never enter a country uninvited. We only act at the express request of local human rights organisations.
Internationalism: Our strength lies in our diversity. Our volunteers come from all over the world to show that human rights are a universal responsibility.
Our Heritage: 40+ Years of Solidarity
While we focus on the future, our roots are deep. Founded in 1981 by a group of activists inspired by non-violent resistance, PBI has spent four decades refining the art of international accompaniment. From Guatemala to Kenya, we have stood with thousands of defenders, proving that unarmed solidarity can stop bullets and change laws.