“With the Strategy in place, we will begin a consistent and comprehensive education of the public on civil resistance. Such preparations will rest on three components: civil resilience, will to resist, and practical skills in both, armed and civil resistance. We aim to build on each of these. Another important aspect is that the preparation for civil resistance will cross over into the National Defence System area of expertise. This is a process that encompasses various areas of public activity and life, therefore it is pivotal that we will be implementing it in collaboration, together, with institutions, private and public sectors,” says Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anušauskas.
The Strategy foresees highlighted public education and information on the topics of contemporary threats, national security and options for contributing to national defence. It will enhance civic and patriotic education for the youth, improve pedagogical training, advance civil involvement in public activities and cherishment of historical memory. Public education on peaceful resistance will be expanded and training for armed resistance will be carried out.
“I believe that approval of this strategy is a break-through in the efforts to fortify readiness for national defence. I expect that from now on, very citizen despite age, residence or skills will be able to find ways to contribute in this area,” says Minister.
The Strategy focusses significantly on involvement of NGOs and diaspora in civil resistance training. The Government of the Republic of Lithuania will be committed to established a Civil Resistance Service in order to ensure coordination with stake-holders and the public.
Implementation of the Strategy will go according to a plan to be prepared under coordination of the Government. The Office of the Government will monitor the implementation of the Strategy when in progress.