This research aims to provide insights into the effectiveness and challenges associated with nonviolent strategies, highlighting the importance of self-protection, dialogue, and communitybased relationship building as catalysts for sustainable solutions in conflict-ridden scenarios. The document begins with an introductory section outlining peace operations and the concept of Unarmed Civilian Protection and Accompaniment (UCP/A), followed by an exploration of decoloniality as a foundation for selfprotection initiatives. Finally, it examines three selected cases of civilian self-protection strategies in South Sudan (Women’s Protection Teams), Burundi (Early Warning-Early Response groups), and Colombia (Arlequín y los Juglares), offering a description of the conflict scenario, the historical context of UCP/A in each case, and concluding with interviews conducted with members of local groups involved in civilian self-protection.
This resource is also available in Spanish (see Related Resources).