Civil resistance is a set of non-military, peaceful actions by which society defends the State, democracy, and human rights.
Civil resistance encompasses a variety of non-violent measures, applied both in peacetime to prevent abuse of power, and in wartime or during occupation as part of national defence. Forms of civil resistance can vary greatly, from ordinary public protests to daily refusals to cooperate with an unlawful authority. They are usually grouped as follows:
- Public acts of protest – demonstrations, rallies, marches, pickets, strikes, creative actions, or boycotts. These actions allow society to express its will, to show disagreement with government actions or with the policy of an aggressor
- Civil disobedience – deliberate, often public, refusal to obey laws or government orders while strictly adhering to non-violent tactics (e.g. non-payment of taxes, refusal to carry out unlawful orders). Such measures are used both in peacetime and during occupation
- Community-based resistance – daily activities that prevent the aggressor from consolidating power: refusal to cooperate, symbolic resistance (e.g. displaying flags, using signs), creation of alternative information channels, or community self-organisation. Such actions are especially important during occupation or crisis when institutions may be restricted
- Informational resistance – active dissemination of accurate information, countering propaganda, creating alternative information channels, and maintaining contacts with international partners
- Refusal of economic and institutional support – boycotting companies supported by the aggressor or illegal authority, refusal to provide public services, to hinder the consolidation of hostile power
All these measures are based on rights enshrined in the Constitution – the freedoms of assembly, association, and expression. They are also protected by international human rights documents. International standards (such as the guidelines of the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe) emphasise that peaceful resistance is protected, and that public authorities have a duty to enable such activities.
In Lithuania, civil resistance is regarded as an integral part of overall national defence preparedness. The resilience of citizens and communities, non-violent resistance, and refusal to cooperate are part of the State’s defence strategy. Such measures complement military means and help ensure that society remains resilient against both external aggression and internal threats.
important In peacetime, civil resistance actions may need to be coordinated with institutions such as municipal administrations and the police, while during martial law or mobilisation they may need to be coordinated with military structures. This helps to ensure the safety of participants and the vigilance of society.
Civil resistance & Human rights
Civil resistance relies on the freedoms of assembly, association, and expression, which may only be restricted by law and proportionately (e.g. where necessary to protect public order or the rights of others).
About this section
This section of the Guide explains the forms of civil resistance, how to take part in such resistance, and what restrictions may apply.