Revision of MDF Working Practices

The Montreux Document Forum revised its Working Practices, allowing for more flexibility in addressing arising challenges in relation to Private Military and Security Companies as well as in the communication amongst Montreux Document participants. The changes were approved during the sixth Plenary meeting by the Montreux Document participants.

This is what you need to know:

1. PLENARY MEETINGS: Instead of organizing annual Plenary meetings, the Forum will convene Plenary meetings as needed to take organizational decisions or to address new and important challenges. The meetings will mostly be held virtually in order to provide more flexibility and allow attendance from experts and representatives all over the world.
2. WORKING GROUPS: The Working Groups will continue to convene virtually or face-to-face as needed for specific purposes and continue their work if there is an interest by States to participate in and to chair these groups.
3. REGIONAL MEETINGS: Regional meetings will continue to allow addressing challenges specific to certain regions and to reaching out to States in regions where the Montreux Document does not yet enjoy wide support.
4. GROUP OF FRIENDS OF THE CO-CHAIRS: The Group of Friends, whose role was mainly to assist and advise the co-Chairs in the organization of the plenary meetings and related activities, will be discontinued. Future activities and meetings will be discussed with all Montreux Document participants.
5. SECRETARIAT: DCAF retains the role of MDF Secretariat. Reach out to start a conversation. We are looking forward to discussing governance of private military and security in your country, exchange experiences and map out fruitful ways of cooperation!