On the 29th of June, the Organization of American States (OAS) reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and strengthening support for the Montreux Document and the International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA).
The resolution
“Advancing Hemispheric Security: A Multidimensional Approach” (AG/CG/doc.3/24)
of the OAS’ General Assembly instructs Member States to adhere to the Montreux
Document and the International Code of Conduct to disseminate, adhere to, and
implement the norms and good practices encompassed in these two international
initiatives to enhance the regulation of the private security industry in the
region. The General Assembly urges compliance with international norms due to
mutual public security concerns among Member States about regulating the role
of Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs) and adhering to existing
legal obligations under international law.
The Montreux
Document Forum Secretariat reminds States that the Document recalls existing
legal obligations and sets forth good practices to regulate PMSCs in armed
conflict. However, the Document's scope remains instructive for complex and
more stable environments. To support States in their legislative reform
process, the Montreux Document Secretariat developed various tools, including
the Legislative Guidance Tool for States to Regulate Private Military and Security Companies.
This offers concrete and appropriate steps for States to implement
international norms and good practices contained in the Montreux Document into
domestic laws.
The full text of the General Assembly resolution can be found in Spanish, English, French and Portuguese.