Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation Terminology

A form of protest in which individuals and groups stand, sit, walk, or pray at a site linked to an injustice or symbolically associated with principles of freedom, justice or peace.

Psychological or physical force exerted for the purpose of threatening, injuring, damaging, or abusing people or property.

Violence consists of actions, words, attitudes, systems or structures that cause physical, psychological, social or environmental damage and/or prevents people from reaching their full human potential.

A violent conflict involves at least two parties using physical force to resolve competing claims or interests. Violent conflicts may occur among individuals or groups not affiliated with a government, but the term is most commonly applied as a synonym for war.

Any actions taken, procedures put in place, or policies proposed that are designed to prevent either states or groups within the state from using armed force or other forms of violence or coercion to settle disputes.