On 28 April, the MDF held a side event at the United Nations in Geneva on “Enhancing the Implementation of International Standards through Information Sharing Between National Regulatory Authorities”.

On 28 April, the Secretariat of the Montreux Document Forum and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) co-organised a side event during the 7th Session of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs), whose objective is to elaborate the content of an international regulatory framework over the activities of PMSCs.

The practical experience of national regulatory authorities constitutes a valuable reference for international policy processes such as the IGWG. To support the ongoing diplomatic discussions, the side event provided practical insights into how different countries implement international standards into domestic practice. It also provided an opportunity for diplomats to engage directly with national authorities responsible for regulating PMSCs.

At the same time, information sharing and collaboration among national regulatory authorities play an important role in strengthening national capacities to implement international standards –whether these are existing ones, such as those contained in the Montreux Document, or future ones, such as those under development by the IGWG. The side event presented different national approaches to knowledge sharing, focusing on the value of peer-to-peer learning in improving regulatory practices and addressing emerging challenges.

A representative from the French National Council for Private Security Activities (CNAPS) opened the discussion by outlining the role of the Council in the oversight of private security companies operating on the French territory. He shared examples of the CNAPS’ recent knowledge sharing efforts with national counterparts, emphasizing the importance of exchanging on good practices to help inform France’s and other countries’ regulatory efforts.

The Secretariat of the Montreux Document Forum then presented the role of the MDF as a bridge between international policy and national practice, linking the Montreux Document –which originated as a diplomatic initiative– with the day-to-day work of national regulators responsible for implementing national legal frameworks. It also introduced the MDF’s toolbox for information sharing and wider cooperation between national regulators, drawing attention to its new online Regulator’s Community of Practice and mapping available on the MDF website.

Finally, the Swiss regulator –the Export Controls and Private Security Services Section of the FDFA– presented Switzerland’s national regulatory system to participants. It also shared its positive experience within the MDF Community of Practice, highlighting lessons learned that could help inform the IGWG’s own process.

The event, which brought together 24 participants, was attended by permanent missions from MDF participants as well as representatives from civil society organisations involved in the IGWG negotiation process.

On 11 and 12 March 2026, DCAF, in its capacity as Secretariat of the Montreux Document Forum, conducted a two-day capacity-building training for the Dirección de Control de los Servicios Privados de Seguridad (DICSPS) of the Honduran National Police.

The training was carried out in collaboration with the International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA) and gathered approximately 90 DICSPS personnel from Tegucigalpa and sub-regional offices. It aimed to strengthen the capacities of DICSPS personnel responsible for monitoring, supervising, and training private security providers in Honduras, in line with the international norms and good practices contained in the Montreux Document and the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers.

By grounding national practice in internationally recognised standards, the training aimed to allow Honduran private security regulator to deepen its understanding on international standards applicable to PMSCs, contributing to more effective and human rights compliant oversight over the country’s private security industry.

The training sessions addressed key regulatory issues of particular relevance to the Honduran context. Participants first examined States' international legal obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law as they relate to the operations of PMSCs, as well as the responsibilities of private security companies and their personnel. The training then addressed good practices for licensing, registration, inspection, and oversight of private security providers, and their application in line with the national legal and regulatory frameworks. Finally, the training provided an overview of good practices regarding the conduct of companies and personnel relating to the use of force and weapons to ensure respect for international humanitarian and human rights law. These sessions were complemented by practical exercises designed to support participants in applying international standards to their day-to-day regulatory work.

Honduras’s adhesion to the Montreux Document in August 2025 demonstrates the country’s strong commitment to aligning its private security regulation with international norms. This training represents a concrete step in the implementation of the Montreux Document’s good practices. It also reflects the MDF's continued engagement in the Latin American and Caribbean region to support States in building and implementing robust regulatory and oversight frameworks for the private security sector.

On February 4th, 2026, the Council of Europe officially declared its participation to the Montreux Document, becoming the 4th international organisation to support the initiative

The Council of Europe’s participation to the Montreux Document represents a significant step in strengthening respect for international humanitarian and human rights law in relation to the activities of private military and security companies (PMSCs) worldwide. 

As the 4th international organisation to endorse the Montreux Document, the Council of Europe signals its commitment to promoting effective regulation, oversight and accountability of PMSCs. With its strong human rights mandate and the support of its 46 member States, the Council of Europe brings valuable expertise and regional reach that will further strengthen the initiative. 

The participation of the Council of Europe will help reinforce the Montreux Document Forum's (MDF) collective capacity to translate shared commitments into practical policies while advancing the national implementation of international norms and good practices. International organisations are indeed key platforms for promoting the Montreux Document initiative, raising awareness on PMSC-related issues and discussing shared challenges at the multilateral level.

The MDF Secretariat looks forward to working closely with the Council of Europe alongside broader MDF participants to continue advancing good private security governance, responsible business practices and respect for international law.

On 1 December, the MDF held a side event at the United Nations in Geneva on PMSCs’ cyber operations in armed conflict.

This side event was held during the informal intersessional consultations for the United Nations’ 7th session of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group on Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs). The Working Group was established in 2017 to elaborate the content of an international regulatory framework governing the activities of private military and security companies.

The three panelists –from the ICT4Peace Foundation, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs– shared their analyses under the moderation of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. The event brought together 30 participants from various Montreux Document Member States and several civil society organizations, including ICoCA and TRIAL International.

Panelists started by providing an overview of the shift in services offered by PMSCs beyond traditional roles such as guarding and transporting valuables. They highlighted the growing focus on cyber protection and support, as well as other technology-enabled services, including cloud infrastructure, surveillance and intelligence gathering tools, and AI-powered tools which are now being used both in civilian and military contexts.

Panelists then examined several legal challenges and complexities arising from these developments. The de-territorialized nature of cyber-enabled services further complicates questions of jurisdiction and application of international law. Issues raised included whether the provision of software and hardware for military purposes could constitute direct participation in hostilities, resulting in a loss of protection under international humanitarian law for private service providers. As chains of responsibility and levels of participation in hostilities become more intricate, there is a need to prevent legal loopholes. This requires careful consideration of how existing international legal provisions, such as those contained in the Montreux Document, can apply to these emerging services.

Lastly, panelists reflected on the role of new tools and initiatives in helping to regulate this rapidly evolving industry. This includes ICoCA and the ICT4Peace Foundation’s Comprehensive Guide for Responsible Technology Use by the Private Sector and the Pall Mall Process, which is a multilateral, multi-stakeholder initiative addressing the proliferation of irresponsible commercial cyber intrusion capabilities.

On August 15th, 2025, Honduras officially declared its participation to the Montreux Document, becoming the 61st supporting State.

As the 6^th state from the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region to join the Montreux Document, the participation of Honduras is an important milestone. Not only does it show the successful nature of outreach activities carried out by the Montreux Document Forum (MDF) in the region, but it also strengthens the representation of the LAC region in the MDF. In addition, Honduras has demonstrated notable commitment to strengthening regulatory, monitoring, and oversight frameworks for private military and security companies (PMSCs). The country's dedicated work on developing comprehensive regulation, institutional mechanisms, and its proactive approach to capacity building make its participation particularly valuable to the MDF’s regulatory objectives.

Honduras's participation is especially relevant within the Central American context, where the regulation of private security services faces unique challenges and opportunities. With the MDF's technical support, the country has been actively working to enhance its regulatory framework for private security providers, addressing both domestic security needs and international standards. Its national experience is therefore particularly relevant for other MDF participants in the region. This strong foundation places Honduras in a good position to meaningfully contribute to discussions on PMSC regulation and best practices within Central America, but also within the broader MDF community of practice of national regulatory authorities.

The LAC region remains a promising area for enlarging participation in the Montreux Document. Ensuring balanced geographic representation is vital to the effective regulation of PMSCs across the world, and continuing outreach in the region is therefore a key objective for future activities.

On June 9th, 2025, Latvia officially became the 60th State Participant to the Montreux Document.

On 23 August, the government of Guatemala officially launched a multi-stakeholder initiative to strengthen the current national regulation on PMSCs.

With this effort, the Ministry of Governance (Ministerio de Gobernación) and the General Directorate of Private Security Services (Dirección General de Servicios de Seguridad Privada) aim to integrate international norms and good practices into its national regulatory framework. This initiative will bring together public institutions, representatives of the private security industry, and civil society organizations to develop the country’s first public policy on PMSCs.

The (formal) PMSC sector in Guatemala is made up of 265 companies and more than 45,000 employees. The initiative intends to enhance the respect of human rights by PMSCs and their managers and personnel. It also aims to strengthen the sector by preventing unfair competition between security service providers while encouraging companies to invest in quality services and comply with international norms and good practices.

DCAF as Montreux Document Forum Secretariat supports this inclusive multi-stakeholder approach through funding and thematic advisory. More information on the PMSC sector in Guatemala can be found in a recent DCAF-IEPADES study. 

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. 

On the 21st of September 2023 Romania officially declared its participation in the Montreux Document, proudly becoming the 59th State.

Across much of Eastern Europe today, security and stability face significant challenges. From the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to an escalation in the Balkans, the situation around Romania remains complex. These regional challenges have led to a noticeable increase in the presence of PMSCs in the area. Recognizing these pressing trends, Romania's official participation in the Montreux Document is both timely and welcomed, as it underscores the ongoing importance of addressing private military and security regulation effectively.

The gradual increase in membership to the Montreux Document indicates that outreach has been successful and demonstrates that regulating the private security sector remains a relevant topic for states of the European Union. We are greatly encouraged by Romania's participation and hope that it sets a precedent for other States worldwide to recognize the urgent need for effective PMSC regulation. However, ensuring balanced geographic representation remains paramount and there is a lot of potential in further increasing the support for the Montreux Document across the different regions of the world and among international organisations. Specifically, in regions such as the Middle East and North Africa, Asia Pacific, and Sub-Saharan Africa, outreach activities are promising. Promoting support for the Montreux Document is one of the main objectives of the Forum.

Challenges and recommendations

Since the early 1990s, the world has seen a shift in the way that security is provided by state actors. Many traditional public security functions have been contracted out to private military and security companies (PMSCs) within domestic and international markets. Trends indicate that the use of PMSCs is increasing with States private sector and other organisations, (including humanitarian organisations) contracting private military and security services. PMSCs today also operate in a variety of contexts.

Furthermore, some PMSCs have attracted increasing international attention due to allegations of misconduct or human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) by the company or its personnel. In all these circumstances, there is potential for misconduct and significant adverse human rights impacts by PMSCs.

Further, at a national level, many States lack adequate national legal frameworks to address such issues. There is an urgent need for improvements to national regulatory frameworks to ensure PMSCs promote an internal human rights culture and, ultimately, respect human rights principles.

Check out this new online course on private military and security regulation to learn more about the challenges they raise and the ways to include international standards in national regulation. It draws heavily on the guidance of the Montreux Document and on other leading international frameworks and sets out challenges faced by States to adequately regulate PMSC activities at the national level and provides recommendations for:

• Permitted and prohibited activities of PMSCs
• Authority responsible for the PMSC industry
• Vetting, selection, and contracting
• Preventing misconduct by PMSCs and their personnel
• Accountability and grievance mechanisms