Approved by Executive Committee
27 June 2006

In case of an abduction of a NP staff member, consultant or other person traveling on NP business, or representative of its elected body (IGC), Nonviolent Peaceforce will use non-violent means to secure the release of the abducted person.

The policy of NP is not to give in to the demands of abductors. In particular, it will under no circumstances pay ransom, or encourage others to pay ransom on behalf of the abducted NP person.

Neither would NP ever suggest, demand or otherwise encourage the use of deadly force to free an abducted person or persons.

NP would not reveal the exact strategies that will be employed during the negotiation process, and asks involved government authorities and hostage negotiators to abide by the same policy.

The Nonviolent Peaceforce commits itself to support the family of the hostage by keeping them informed and, if necessary, giving financial help by continuing to pay the salary of the hostage throughout the time of the abduction.

Post-abduction procedures will include medical treatment if necessary, an organisational debriefing and access to external professional aid (counseling) to support recovery.

All NP representatives have been made aware of this policy, and it is posted on the NP website. If traveling in dangerous areas, NP representatives are encouraged to carry a card written in the local language(s) stating this policy.

Rationale: Paying no ransom has a principled and a pragmatic side: The principle is not to give in to the threat of violence which is one of the basic ideas of active nonviolence. The pragmatic is that if NP operates in an area where kidnapping for ransom is common, and it becomes known that NP is ransoming its people, this actually increases the risk of further abductions dramatically.

The rule of no liberation by violent means is based on the nonviolent principle of non-use of arms.

The term "not by deadly force" rather than "by military means" has been chosen because in kidnapping cases - especially those when groups labeled as terrorists are the perpetrators – the armed actors are not always easily distinguished.

What NP COULD do in case of abduction:

• Liaise with government authorities and other influential parties in the conduct of negotiations
• Target appeals through media and other channels which are close or otherwise known by the abductors
• Make broad public appeals to convey the message that those being abducted might also have been working for the true needs of those the political group that committed the abduction claims to be fighting for (this is in cases where the abduction has political motives).
• Try to involve friendly personalities, institutions or third governments that have influence with the abductors.

Text for Card: As a member of Nonviolent Peaceforce, both Nonviolent Peaceforce and I state that, if abducted, under no circumstances will NP pay ransom or encourage others to pay ransom for me. Moreover, NP will not request or permit (within its power to do so) the use of violence to free me.

Rather, NP commits to doing all in its power to facilitate my release in accordance with the NP policy and the principles of active nonviolence.