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 is upheld for everyone, not used as a weapon against those who defend it.
Our Mission
PBI UK protects at-risk human rights defenders (HRDs). 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:
A Protective Presence: Our most famous tool is "holistic protective accompaniment". By having trained international volunteers physically present with defenders at critical moments, we raise the political cost of attacking them. We act as a global set of eyes that deters would-be aggressors.
Building Skills for the Long Haul: Protection isn't just about being there; it's about preparation. We provide training in risk management, digital security, advocacy, and mental wellbeing so local activists can stay safe and effective for years to come.
Opening Doors to Power: We leverage our global network to ensure local voices are heard. Whether it’s talking to a soldier at a local checkpoint or a leader at the United Nations, we advocate at every level to change the behaviours that cause violence in the first place.
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 vests, they attend court hearings, join peaceful protests, and visit remote villages. This "unarmed bodyguarding" 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 defenders' stories 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.