Peace Brigades International provides protection, support and recognition to local human rights defenders who work in areas of repression and conflict and have requested support.  They believe that lasting transformation of conflicts cannot come from outside, but must be based on the capacity and desires of local people. They avoid imposing, interfering or getting directly involved in the work of the people they accompany. The work is effective because they take an integrated approach, combining a presence alongside human rights defenders on the ground with an extensive network of international support.

Founded in 1981, PBI has 36 years of experience working alongside human rights defenders, opening and protecting space for peace, conflict transformation and the defence of human rights in 14 countries. They are a life-saving international presence in areas of conflict and repression, and a powerful global advocacy network protecting those on the ground. They have worked in Nicaragua, El Salvador, Sri Lanka, North America, Haiti, Nepal and the Balkans as well as the current field projects in Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico and Nepal.

PBI is an international NGO that has been promoting nonviolence and protecting human rights since 1981. The work is based on the principles of non-partisanship and non-interference in the internal affairs of the organisationsPBI accompany. 

PBI believes that lasting transformation of conflicts cannot be imposed from outside, but must be based on the capacity and desires of local people. Therefore PBI does not take part in the work of the organisations PBI accompanies. Rather the role is to open political space and provide moral support for local activists to carry out their work without fear of repression. 

The unique access to information and the objectivity increases the credibility with all parties to the conflict and gives us access to authorities nationally and internationally.

Vision
PBI envisions a world in which people address conflicts non violently, where human rights are universally upheld and social justice and intercultural respect have become a reality.

Mission
PBI works to open a space for peace in which conflicts can be dealt with non-violently. PBI uses a strategy of international presence and concern that supports local initiatives and contributes to developing a culture of peace and justice. PBI acts on request of local non-violent groups working for human rights and social change in regions where there is oppression and conflict.

The aim of PBI's international presence is to accompany both political and social processes through a joint strategy of deterring violence and promoting active non-violence. The international teams of volunteers use methods such as protective accompaniment, peace education, independent observation and analysis of the conflict situation. In addition, PBI learns about, develops, and models forms of nonviolent intervention. Where possible, PBI initiates contacts with all the parties to a conflict in order to inform of the presence.

PBI supports this work through a broad international network of organizations and individuals. The identity is built upon nonhierarchical structures and consensual processes.