Introducing Noviolence as a concept

I was in Barcelona, Spain for a break. But peacework and networking would not take a break with me.

With my scant Spanish, El Consell de la Joventut de Barcelona (CJB) introduced me to this concept of noviolence during its video presentation of its recent activity involving the youth. It presents, in my understanding, a concept that does not consist of two words, but one. Essentially, it refers to absence of violence in the pursuit of meaningful lives and social change.

What is the significance of this concept to the peace and conflict studies?

I would argue that this concept of noviolence is useful in framing the problematique of a prolonged and protracted conflict. In communities that have been in conflicts for several generations such as in Mindanao (Philippines), Darfur (Sudan), Kurds (Turkey), etc., peace is so abstract and non-sensible. It does not help motivate many people there to seek peace because they have never experienced peace. What makes sense to the victims and survivors of prolonged conflicts is the absence of violence or noviolence in their lives. That´s what they long for. That is their desired change.

Noviolence is not only useful in theoretical and conceptual references, but also for practical purposes. As the precedent, the nonviolence, on one hand, is a popular concept, tool and movement for people who reject violence as a means for social change. Noviolence, on the other hand, is an alternative to peace when the concept of peace does not make sense to the victims and survivors of prolonged conflicts.

If we, as peacebuilders, would like to see grassroot and community-driven peacebuilding efforts in areas with long history of conflicts, the concept of noviolence will be useful to frame our understanding of our mission towards peace and conflict transformation.