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Annual Report

Together for Peace: Interrupting Cycles of Violence

Learn how you made a difference for communities affected by violence around the globe in 2023.

 

Letter from the executive director

Dear Friend,

As I reflect on the past year, I am humbled by your unwavering support that energizes our mission at NP. Despite the persistent challenges, your dedication has propelled us forward in interrupting cycles of violence and advocating for transformative change. 

At NP, we lean into nonviolence and peace in response to the world's conflicts. Through Unarmed Civilian Protection, we focus on inclusion, building trust, and encouraging relationships. Your support helps us make a tangible difference in the communities we serve, resisting the forces that drive despair.

Throughout 2023, NP remained committed to protecting communities facing imminent threats of violence. In Qayyarah, Iraq, our team accompanied girls to school and supported women leaders as they advocated for safety. In the U.S., NP facilitated safety at community events and trained our partners to now do the same. In North Darfur, Sudan, Women Protection Teams keep people alive amidst civil war. Together with our partners, we connected communities in conflict with the vital resources they need to stay safe. 

This year also marked 20 years since our first program in Sri Lanka. Over two decades, we've seen the profound impact of our collective efforts, witnessing communities emerge from conflict and nurture the seeds of peace. While challenges like digital threats, climate change, and critical election junctures remain, your continued support keeps us resolute in advancing our mission. 

As we look ahead, I am inspired and energized by the opportunities for change that emerge during major transitions. Together, we can create a world where violence is not inevitable, where communities shape their own destinies, and where peace reigns supreme. Thank you for your unwavering support in 2023. Together, we are making peace possible.

Tiffany Easthom

Tiffany Easthom

Executive Director

Gender Peace Champions. Philippines, 2023.

Your Impact in Numbers

791

sets of personal protective equipment (ballistic vests and helmets) lent to frontline volunteers in Ukraine

802

people were engaged through 43 trainings on community safety in NYC

614

survivor statements documented with our partner Kontras Aceh in Indonesia

  sudan 

Advocating for Peace

In response to the outbreak of civil war in Sudan in 2023, local community groups like Women Protection Teams (WPTs), supported by NP, have emerged as frontline responders in North Darfur. These teams consist of trained Sudanese women who identify and address protection risks faced by their communities. 

“We provide survivor-focused support and connect community members to follow-up services, although this is extremely challenging at the moment,” explained Ishrava, a WPT member.  
 IRAQ 

Interrupting Cycles of Violence

In Iraq, NP and Community Peace Teams, comprising youth and women, patrol, provide protective presence, and accompany those at increased risk of violence. Their work is both responsive to current violence, and proactively builds peace: women now feel more confident and secure standing up for their rights and accessing support services. 
 Philippines 

Adapting Traditional Wisdom to Modern Challenges

As communities face both climate challenges like flooding and digital threats such as online exploitation, adapting traditional wisdom is increasingly essential for modern resilience. Youth especially, steeped in their communal traditions and with a front seat to the changing world, are applying what they know to be effective in reducing the biggest threats to their community’s safety.

In the Philippines, youth organizations lead workshops on digital citizenship— navigating the internet safely and responsibly—to combat online sexual exploitation. Nash Dunding, a youth leader, emphasizes the importance of youth in bridging the technological, age, and gender gaps: “We must be part of the solution, and to be part of the solution, we need to find where we are in the process.” 
 UKRAINE 

Reaching Communities in Partnership

Local organizations are at the forefront of humanitarian responses, but they need protection. In frontline areas of Ukraine, high-quality protective gear is essential but often unaffordable for local volunteers. To ensure the safety of these volunteers and first responders, NP has provided vital protection kits, including flak jackets and helmets. This program helps volunteers operate safely and continue their critical missions, such as accompanying people during evacuations and distributing food and medicine in hardto- reach places.

Igor, a volunteer, shared, “The bulletproof vest saved my life,” recounting a time he protected another volunteer from harm during shelling.

"Trusting NP to support me through this process was key. Now my case is resolved, and I live in safety."

Nejma, a 17-year-old girl in Iraq who had been blackmailed online. Through NP's training on conflict transformation, Nejma gained the confidence to report her case and is now raising awareness for girls like her.

"When we moved into the Hub for Nonviolence and Safety in November, the dream was that the neighborhood would be safer. I'm proud to say that's exactly what we're doing."

Will Wallace, Director of Community Peacebuilding, NP USA.

"Let us embark on this journey together, fueled by passion and determination, as we work to create a world where conflicts are resolved through understanding..."

Shared Mary Nyachat Chuol, Women Protection Team member in South Sudan, at the International Gathering on Unarmed Civilian Protection.

Youth Protection Teams Soccer Match. Juba IDP Camp, South Sudan, Oct. 2022.
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Today, the level of violent conflict is increasing across the globe. This violence isn’t solving problems … it’s making the world more dangerous for us all. But you and I know there is another way. For over 20 years, NP has been on the ground protecting civilians and working side-by-side with local communities to resolve conflicts. What makes our work truly remarkable is we do it all through unarmed strategies, and the extraordinary generosity of caring friends like you.
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NP staff in Ukraine wear flak jackets during a safety and security training.
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