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News Section Privatization of war: the growing use of private military and security companies Section discussing the growing use of private military and security companies in conflict zones; the implications for civilians and others protected under the Geneva Conventions, and for humanitarian operations; the position of these companies under international humanitarian law. © Taken from Shadow Company- www.shadowcompany.com
Increasingly, though, private contractors have been hired for intelligence gathering and analysis, custody and interrogation of prisoners and, on some occasions, participation in combat.  Key document19-9-2008 Governments acknowledge duty to control private military and security companiesA meeting in the Swiss town of Montreux has reaffirmed States’ obligations regarding private military and security companies in war zones. Two key points of a document agreed by 17 nations are that delegating tasks to a contractor does not relieve a State of its responsibilities, and that governments should not let contractors take part in combat operations. (Humanitarian law\Other issues\Privatisation of war) Feature 17-9-2008 The Montreux Document on Private Military and Security CompaniesFull title: "Montreux Document on Pertinent International Legal Obligations and Good Practices for States related to Operations of Private Military and Security Companies during Armed Conflict" (Humanitarian law\Other issues\Privatisation of war) Includes PDF FAQ15-9-2008 International humanitarian law and private military/security companiesPrivate military and security companies working in situations of armed conflict are also obliged to respect the provisions of international humanitarian law (IHL). Basic facts on the issue and link to expert opinion. (Info resources\Frequently asked questions) FAQ Includes Photo Feature23-5-2006 Privatisation of WarThe outsourcing of military tasks (ICRC Activities\Promoting IHL\Armed forces and police) Feature International Review of the Red Cross30-9-2006 International Review of the Red Cross, 2006 - No. 863 Theme: Private military companies - Military entrepreneurship is now an integral feature of contemporary war. This edition of the International Review of the Red Cross highlights the variety of issues raised by the increased presence of private military companies (PMCs) in situation of armed conflicts. (Humanitarian law\Other issues\Privatisation of war) International Review of the Red Cross Interview17-4-2008 Getting private military and security companies to respect the lawAs more military and security tasks are “outsourced” to private firms, questions arise as to what rules govern their behaviour in conflict situations. ICRC legal adviser Cordula Droege comments on an initiative by the Swiss government to promote respect for international humanitarian law and propose some ways of dealing with the issue. (Humanitarian law\Other issues\Privatisation of war) Interview Includes Photo 27-11-2006 Private military/security companies "acknowledge humanitarian law obligations"Melker Mabeck coordinates the ICRC's efforts to promote respect for international humanitarian law by private military and security firms working in conflict zones. He talks about the contacts made with the companies and the States that hire them. (ICRC Activities\Promoting IHL\Armed forces and police) Interview Legal article25-1-2008 Involvement of Private Contractors in Armed Conflict: Implications
under International Humanitarian LawThis paper analyses the status, under international humanitarian law of personnel of private companies carrying out activities in a country at war. It also considers what are the implications for States that contract such companies if their personnel commit violations of international law. Alexander Faite is a legal advisor at the ICRC. (Humanitarian law\Other issues\Privatisation of war) Legal article Includes PDF Report19-2-2008 International humanitarian law and the challenges of contemporary armed conflictsOfficial working document of the 30th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, Geneva, 26 to 30 November 2007. (Humanitarian law\Reaffirmation and development) Report Includes PDF  |
