The Civil Peace Service (CPS) is funded by the German Government.  CPS experts support people on the ground in their commitment for dialogue, human rights and peace on a long-term basis. Currently, about 350 international CPS experts are active in 45 countries.

The Civil Peace Service supports projects aimed at non-violent conflict resolutions in various countries worldwide. It seconds experts to assist local partner organisations. Its objectives are the prevention of violent conflicts, the reduction of violence, and the long-term securing of peace.

CPS cooperates with local partner organisations that

• build structures of cooperation and dialogue across lines of conflict (in doing so also strengthening traditional conflict resolution),
• create meeting points and safe spaces where parties to a conflict can meet,
• strengthen information and communication structures that trace the causes and consequences of violent conflict (including the promotion of peace journalism, the networking of peace-building organisations, and monitoring the development of conflicts),
• provide assistance to groups that are particularly affected by violence and ease their re-integration into society (e.g. by providing counselling and social support for, or working with, traumatised survivors),
• provide assistance and training in methods and concepts of civil conflict resolution,
• devise courses in peace education and in dismantling enemy stereotypes,
• restore confidence in local law and order, and campaign for human rights.

A number of development and peace organisations have joined up to form the Civil Peace Service Consortium. Members of the consortium include non-governmental as well as governmental agencies. The programme is being financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).