Peacebuilding is the set of initiatives by diverse actors, including civil society, to address the root causes of violence and protect civilians before, during, and after violent conflict.
For many years, U.S. nonprofit organizations have helped pave the way for peace by bringing fighting factions together and providing alternatives to violence as a means of redressing grievances. Unfortunately, the 2010 Supreme Court decision in Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project (HLP) upheld the law defining prohibited “material support” of terrorism to include conflict prevention and resolution activities aimed at getting terrorist groups to lay down their arms.
This page contains information on Peacebuilding, as well as Countering Violent Extremism programs and Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration.
Featured Resources
Global Fragility and Violence Reduction Act Passes House
Legislation endorsed by the Charity & Security Network passed the U.S. House of Representatives November 27, 2018. The Global Fragility and Violence Reduction Act of 2018 (HR 5273), introduced March 14, 2018, and passed by
Solutions to Roadblocks to Peacebuilding – Fact Sheet
Efforts related to prevent outbreaks of violence, transform armed conflicts, find peaceful ways to manage conflict, and create the socioeconomic and political conditions for sustainable development and peace continue to be stymied by overbroad
Analysis: Permissible Activities for Peacebuilders – Based on Statements by U.S. Officials
Since the Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Holder v. Humanitarian Law Project (HLP), peacebuilding organizations have faced significant uncertainty as to what communications with Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) remain permissible under the prohibition on
DOJ Guidance on Online Activities to Counter Violent Extremism
In an undated document, the Department of Justice released a two-page guidance on permissible forms of communication with members of listed terrorist groups that are intended to turn them away from violance. The guidance document notes that
Report: A New War on Terror or a New Search for Peace?
Lessons from Afghanistan, Somalia and Yemen suggest that a new approach to terrorism and security threats is needed, according to a briefing from Saferworld, A New War on Terror or a New Approach to
The Impact of Counterterrorism Policies on Peacebuilding
Counterterrorism legislation is having a "qualitative impact on the work of peacebuilding organizations, their choices and freedom to choose where they work and with whom," concludes a new report from Conciliation Resources, Proscribing peace: