A forum for participants of the Montreux Document on pertinent international legal obligations and good practices for states related to operations of private military and security companies during armed conflict.
The MDF holds a side event at the OSCE on the humanitarian impact of private military and security companies
On 5 October, the MDF held a side event at the OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference on the margins of the first plenary session on humanitarian issues.
On 5 October, the Montreux Document Forum (MDF) held a side event entitled “Addressing Humanitarian Impacts of Private Military and Security Companies in Armed Conflict” during the annual OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference.
As PMSCs grow in number and scope, many now perform functions close to conflict roles, including operating weapons systems, managing detention of prisoners, or controlling civilian movement at humanitarian sites. Particularly where state oversight and control is limited, the presence of PMSCs in situations of armed conflict can expose vulnerable populations to heightened risk of human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law.
Panelists started by presenting the Montreux Document initiative, to which the OSCE and many of its participating States are participants. Offering participants both legal and regulatory perspectives, they highlighted States’ legal obligations under international humanitarian law together with national and international good practices that help States enhance their compliance and keep up with developments in the industry. Using the MDF’s activities as an example, panelists also encouraged information exchange and dialogue between OSCE participating States.
The MDF Co-Chairs were represented by the ICRC Regional Delegate and a representative from Switzerland’s Export Controls and Private Security Services Section, with DCAF’s Business and Security Entity representing the MDF Secretariat.
