David Grant / Nonviolent Peaceforce – 2004-12-22 07:37:55
http://nonviolentpeaceforce.org/english/srilanka/FTMAppForm.asp
(December 16, 2004) — Nonviolent Peaceforce is an international NGO seeking to contribute to peace and justice through providing a trained, international civilian nonviolent peace force for nonviolent intervention in conflicts. The Peace Force is sent to conflict areas to prevent death and destruction and protect human rights, thus creating the space for local groups to struggle nonviolently, enter into dialogue, and seek peaceful resolution.
For its work, it has for now defined the principles and guidelines described in the Code of Conduct, a working document of an interim character. NP realises that it may have to re-assess and revise parts of this Code when it has begun to engage in practical work in the field. Therefore, the Code will be revised regularly, and both those within and outside NP are invited to comment on it and give their criticisms and feed-back.
Expedition to Sri Lanka
In December 2002, 130 delegates from 47 nations chose Sri Lanka as the site of the first Nonviolent Peaceforce pilot project. The Nonviolent Peaceforce is recruiting, training, and sending 50 international civilians to help establish a foundation for sustainable peace in Sri Lanka between 2003 and 2005
A Message from Sri Lanka:
Our work in the north and east seems now more important than ever. We are working closely with local community activists and civil society to develop guidelines for the protection of civilians and to support local communities in their own community dialogue initiatives.
In this area, the few Christian churches are taking a lead in this regard, and they have allies among some leaders in the other religious communities as well. On Easter weekend, the forces of the north overran the breakaway faction and Karuna, the eastern commander, went underground. With his collapse, thousands of his cadres, perhaps as many as a third of them child soldiers, were reunited with their families, except unfortunately for an unknown number who perished in the brief but intense fighting.
Life hasn’t been the same in Batticaloa District since. Karuna loyalists continue to assert their covert presence with repeated strikes against northern cadres, and even, in recent weeks, some prominent civilians. Rumors abound implicating government forces’ participation in some of the violence. Fear is widespread and the peace process more complicated, now that cracks in a united Tamil Eelam have been made visible.
— Rita Webb , Sri Lanka Field Team Member
Application form for Nonviolent Peaceforce
Application period: early December 2004 to 16 January 2005
If you are interested in becoming a field team member with Nonviolent Peaceforce in Sri Lanka, please first familiarize yourself with our work by visiting our website. Pay special attention to the Frequently Asked Questions and the Code of Conduct for the Sri Lanka Project.
In order to apply for the Sri Lanka field team please fill in this questionnaire and submit it and all supplementary documentation via e-mail to:
• A description of minimum criteria and a summary of the selection procedure is at the bottom of this form. If you have any further questions about Nonviolent Peaceforce, please consult the website. (There are sections in English, French and Spanish).
• Interested applicants will find the application form as well as
other relevant information on the website at:
http://nonviolentpeaceforce.org/english/srilanka/FTMAppForm.asp
• Applications will be accepted until 16 January 2005.
