CPT places violence-reduction teams in crisis situations and militarized areas around the world at the invitation of local peace and human rights workers. CPT embraces the vision of unarmed intervention waged by committed peacemakers ready to risk injury and death in bold attempts to transform lethal conflict through the nonviolent power of God’s truth and love.

Violence Reduction Projects

Colombia

a continuing presence since February 2001. Through fasting, public prayer, and nonviolent action, team members support threatened communities, primarily in the Magdalena Medio region, working for a peaceful end to Colombia’s 40-year-old civil war.

Iraq

a continuing presence since October 2002. Team members have accompanied the Iraqi people in the period leading up to the U.S.-led invasion, during the “shock and awe” bombing of Baghdad, and throughout the occupation to expose abusive acts by U.S. Armed Forces and support Iraqis committed to nonviolent resistance.

Palestine

a continuing presence in the Hebron District (West Bank) since June 1995. Team members stand with Palestinians and Israeli peace groups engaged in nonviolent opposition to Israeli military occupation, collective punishment, settler harassment, home demolitions and land confiscation.

Periodic Projects

CPT sends peacemaker delegations and small teams on a seasonal or periodic basis to: Arizona Borderlands - addressing the violence of immigration policies which result in hundreds of migrant deaths in the desert each summer; Kenora, ON - supporting local groups confronting racist violence against Aboriginal people; Bear Butte, SD - accompanying an Intertribal coalition as they resist increased development near sacred sites.

Previous Work

CPT has maintained violence-reduction teams in:
• Gaza (1993) • Haiti (1993-1997) Washington, DC (1994-1996) • Bosnia (1996) • Chechnya (1996) • Richmond, VA (1997-1999) • Chiapas, Mexico (1998-2001) • South Dakota (1999-2000) • Esgenoôpetitj First Nation [Burnt Church, NB] (2000-2002) • Vieques, Puerto Rico (2000-2003) • Indian Brook, NS (2001) • Oneida, NY (2002-2003) • Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation [Grassy Narrows, ON] (2002-2005).