Civil resistance refers to citizens’ actions in defending the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence of the State.
Civil resistance can take two forms – armed and unarmed.
Armed resistance
Armed resistance is generally considered the duty of the State’s armed forces, but under certain conditions it may also involve civilians. Article 3 of the Constitution establishes the right of the Lithuanian nation to resist anyone who forcibly seeks to undermine the independence of the State or the constitutional order.
Armed resistance is lawful only in situations of war or occupation threat. Civilian participation in armed resistance is usually coordinated together with the Lithuanian Armed Forces and other defence institutions (e.g. the National Defence Volunteer Forces).
important Armed resistance is an extreme measure, applied only in cases of armed aggression or occupation.
Read more about military service.
Unarmed resistance
Unarmed (non-violent) resistance is the main form of modern civil resistance, recognised as a legitimate means of defending democracy. These are actions available to each of us to defend the State’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence – by peaceful means we demonstrate opposition to the aggressor’s demands, obligations, and attempts to consolidate power.
Main forms of unarmed resistance include:
- Informational activity – informing society about abuses of power, supporting independent media, running social media campaigns
- Civil disobedience – deliberate refusal to comply with laws or government orders if considered unlawful or contrary to human rights (e.g. disobedience to discriminatory rules)
- Sabotage – organisation of non-military actions such as slowing down work, paralysing institutions or infrastructure without the use of violence
- Building support networks – organising community mutual aid, establishing alternative institutions, creating independent channels of funding or supply
exception Although sabotage can be considered a form of unarmed civil resistance, it is unlawful if it poses a serious risk to people’s health or life.