pokojcy

Pokojcy is a term used in Polish to describe individuals or groups who advocate peace and oppose armed conflict. The word is derived from pokój, meaning peace, with a suffix that marks people associated with a particular idea. In usage it appears in historical and journalistic contexts and is sometimes considered less common than the direct term for pacifist, pacyfista, though it can be found in discussions of nonviolent approaches to conflict.

Beliefs and scope commonly attributed to pokojcy include a commitment to nonviolence, disarmament, peaceful resolution of disputes, and respect for international law and human rights. They typically emphasize diplomacy, dialogue, and humanitarian considerations, and may oppose war as a means of solving political disputes. While some pokojcy are motivated by religious beliefs, others come from secular or humanitarian backgrounds.

Activities associated with pokojcy often involve peace education, advocacy for arms control and treaty adherence, participation in anti-war demonstrations, mediation and dialogue initiatives, and support for refugees and victims of conflict. They may work through civil society organizations, educational programs, and public campaigns to promote nonviolent means of conflict resolution.

Historical context in Poland shows that pacifist or pokojcy-like currents have appeared across religious communities, intellectual circles, and citizen movements. During periods of upheaval or occupation, analogous actors sometimes engaged in conscientious objection or aid work. In contemporary discourse, pokojcy terms may circulate in discussions about nonviolent diplomacy and peace-building, though it remains one among several labels describing pacifist-leaning actors. Overall, the label signals a commitment to peaceful methods for addressing human conflict, with varying connotations by era and source.