https://www.montreuxdocument.org en-gb Sun, 10 May 2026 19:45:35 +0000 Sun, 10 May 2026 19:45:35 +0000 Elxis 5.6 240 https://www.montreuxdocument.org/media/images/logo_rss.png https://www.montreuxdocument.org 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.]]> https://www.montreuxdocument.org/news/the-mdf-holds-side-event-the-united-nations.html https://www.montreuxdocument.org/news/the-mdf-holds-side-event-the-united-nations.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:06:00 +0000 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.]]> https://www.montreuxdocument.org/news/honduras-training-private-security-regulator-mdf-montreux-documentt.html https://www.montreuxdocument.org/news/honduras-training-private-security-regulator-mdf-montreux-documentt.html Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:43:00 +0000 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. ]]> https://www.montreuxdocument.org/news/council-europe-joins-the-montreux-document.html https://www.montreuxdocument.org/news/council-europe-joins-the-montreux-document.html Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:14:00 +0000 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.]]> https://www.montreuxdocument.org/news/mdf-cyber-side-event-united-nations.html https://www.montreuxdocument.org/news/mdf-cyber-side-event-united-nations.html Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:04:00 +0000 This content is available to logged in users only.
.tpl5_maincol div.elx5_article_header div.map-container div#map .chosen-container-single .chosen-single ul.chosen-results ul.chosen-results li ul.chosen-results li a:hover ul.circle ul.circle li ul.circle li:before div.elx5_vspace div.map-legend ul.legend-labels li ul.legend-labels li span div#world-map-legend div.block div.block span div#world-map_legend div#map_legend div#world-map_legend ul #map_holder li.sm_legend_item div#world-map_legend ul li.sm_legend_item li.sm_legend_item svg rect #map_holder li.sm_legend_item svg #map_holder li.sm_legend_item svg circle ul.legend-labels div#world-map_outer div.chosen-container select#state_list .chosen-container-single .chosen-single span, ul.chosen-results li div#tt_sm_map .tt_sm .tt_sm * .tt_sm h5 .tt_name_sm .xmark_sm .xmark_sm img .tt_custom_sm img .tt_custom_sm ul li .tt_custom_sm ul li::before div.elx_article_page div.tt_custom_sm ul li:before .grid-container @media only screen and (max-width:1359px) } @media only screen and (max-width:767px) } .grid-item .grid-item img div.grid-container.texture div.grid-item div.grid-container.texture div.grid-item img div.grid-container.texture div.grid-item:hover img div.grid-item h2 div.grid-item h5 div.grid-item h5:last-of-type div.grid-item p div.elx_article_page div.grid-item ul li   Afghanistan Relevant Legislation: Presidential Decree No. 62 (2010) Albania Institution regulating PMSCs: State Police - Ministry of the Interior Relevant Legislation: Law No. 308 for the Operation of Private Physical Security Service and the Private Training Center for Private Security Company Employees (2017) Angola Institution regulating PMSCs: General Commander of the National Police - Ministry of the Interior Relevant Legislation: Law No. 10/14 on Private Security Companies (2014) Presidential Decree No. 225/17 on the Regulation of the law on Private Security Companies (2017) Australia Australia currently has no nationwide regulator for PMSCs; instead, states and territories have their own regulators: State Commissioners for Fair Trading Relevant Legislation: Security Industry Act A2003-4 (2003) Austria Institution regulating PMSCs: Division for Trade Law - Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism State Police Directorates Relevant Legislation: Paragraphs 129 and 130 of the Trade Regulation Act (1994) Belgium Institution regulating PMSCs: Directorate for Security and Prevention (IBZ BeSafe) - Federal Public Service Interior Email: Relevant Legislation: Law No. 2017031388 Regulating Private and Personal Security (2017) Bosnia and Herzegovina Institution regulating PMSCs: Federation of BiH: cantonal ministries of internal affairsRepublika Srpska: Centers for Public SafetyBrčko District: Police Relevant Legislation: Law on Agencies and Internal Services for Protection of People and Property (2008) Law on protection of People and Property and Private Detective Services in Republika Srpska (2002) Law on Agencies for Security of People and property and Private Detective Services of the Brčko District (2004) Bulgaria Institution regulating PMSCs: Ministry of the Interior Relevant Legislation: Law on Private Guarding Activities (2004) Canada Canada currently has no nationwide regulator for PMSCs; instead, provinces and territories have their own regulators. Examples include: Government of Ontario The Bureau for Private Security (BSP) in Québec There is currently no nationwide legislation regulating PMSCs; instead, each province or territory is responsible for its own legislation. Examples include: Private Security and Investigative Services Act (2005) Private Security Act (2006) Chile Institution regulating PMSCs: Department of Private Security - Undersecretary of Crime Prevention - Ministry of Public Security Relevant Legislation: Law No. 21.659 on Private Security (2024) Private Security Regulations of Law No. 21.659 on Private Security (2024) China Institution regulating PMSCs: Ministry of Public Security Relevant Legislation: State Council Decree No. 564 on Regulations on the Administration of Security Services (2009) Regulation on the Administration of the Use of Firearms by Full-Time Guards and Escorts (2022) Costa Rica Institution regulating PMSCs: Directorate of Private Security Services - Ministry of Public Security Email: Relevant Legislation: Law Regulating Private Security Services (2003) Regulations to the Private Security Services Act (2013) Croatia Institution regulating PMSCs: Inspection for Private Protection and Detective Services - Inspection Affairs Sector - Civil Protection Directorate - Ministry of Internal Affairs Email: Relevant Legislation: Private Protection Act (2020) Cyprus Institution regulating PMSCs: Private Security Services Office - Cyprus Police Deputy Ministry of Shipping Email: Relevant Legislation: Law 125(I) on Private Security Services (2007) Act No. 16/20 on The Protection of Cyprus Ships Against Acts of Piracy and Other Unlawful Acts (2012) Czech Republic Institution regulating PMSCs: Ministry of Industry and Trade There is currently no specific legislation regulating private security activities; instead, these fall under general trade law. Trade Licensing Act (1991) Denmark Institution regulating PMSCs: Danish Police Relevant Legislation: Law on Security Services (1986) Executive Order on the Law on Security Services (2016) Ecuador Institution regulating PMSCs: Private Security Directorate - Undersecretary of Public Order and Private Security - Ministry of the Interior Relevant Legislation: Organic Law on Surveillance and Private Security (2024) Regulations to the Law on Surveillance and Private Security (2008) Estonia Institution regulating PMSCs: Director of the General Police - Ministry of the Interior Relevant Legislation: Security Act (2003) Finland Institution regulating PMSCs: National Police Board - Ministry of the Interior  Relevant Legislation: Private Security Services Act (2015) France Institution regulating PMSCs: National Council for Private Security Activities (CNAPS) - Ministry of the Interior Email: Relevant Legislation: Book VI of the Internal Security Code on 'Private Security Activities' (2021) Georgia Institution regulating PMSCs: Private Security Activities Inspection Department - Licensed Institutions Inspection Division - Public Security Management Center - Ministry of Interior Relevant Legislation: Law on Private Protection Activities (2025) Germany Institution regulating PMSCs: Federal Ministry of the Interior Relevant Legislation: Paragraph 34a of the Trade Regulation Act on 'Security Industry; Regulatory Authority' (1999) Greece Institution regulating PMSCs: Ministry of the Interior Hellenic (national) Police Relevant Legislation: Law No. 2518 on Conditions for the Operation of Private Companies Providing Security Services. Qualifications and obligations of such Staff and Other Provisions (1997) Law No. 3707 on Regulation of Issues of Private Companies Providing Security Services and Private Investigation Offices (2008) Honduras Institution regulating PMSCs: Directorate for the Control of Private Security Services (DICSPS) Deputy Ministry of Shipping Email: Relevant Legislation: Organic Law on the National Police (2008) Regulations for the Control of Private Security Services (2009) Hungary Institution regulating PMSCs: Police - Ministry of Interior Relevant Legislation: Act CXXXIII on the Rules of Personal and Property Protection and Private Detective Activities (2005) Decree on the implementation of Act CXXXIII on the Rules of Personal and Property Protection and Private Detective Activities (2006) Iceland Iraq Institution regulating PMSCs: Private Security Companies Directorate - Ministry of the Interior Relevant Legislation: "Law No. 52 on Private Security Company (2017) " Ireland Institution regulating PMSCs: Private Security Authority (PSA) - Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Relevant Legislation: Private Security Services Act (2004) Italy Institution regulating PMSCs: Ministry of the Interior Relevant Legislation: Consolidated Law on Public Security (1931) Articles 244 and 288 of the Italian Criminal Code Japan Institution regulating PMSCs: National Public Safety Commission Relevant Legislation: Act No. 117 on Security Business (1972) Jordan There is currently no specific legislation regulating private security activities. Foreign investors are banned from owning or contributing to security services. Regulation No. 77 for Regulating Non-Jordanian Investments (2016) Kuwait Latvia Institution regulating PMSCs: State Police Relevant Legislation: Security Guard Activities Law (2014) Liechtenstein Lithuania Institution regulating PMSCs: Police Department - Ministry of the Interior Relevant Legislation: Law on Personal and Property Safety (2004) Licensing Rules for the Protection of Persons and Property (2018) Luxembourg Institution regulating PMSCs: Arms and Security Services - Criminal and Correctional Law Department - Ministry of Justice Email: Relevant Legislation: Law on Private Security and Surveillance Activities (2014) Grand Ducal Regulation of August 22, 2003 implementing certain provisions of the Law of November 12, 2002 on private surveillance and security activities Madagascar Institution regulating PMSCs: Management of Public Order and Safety - Ministry of the Interior Malta Institution regulating PMSCs: Malta Police Force - Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Relevant Legislation: Private Security Guard and Local Wardens Act (1996) Monaco Institution regulating PMSCs: Minister of State Relevant Legislation: Law No. 1.264 on Private Activities for the Protection of Persons and Property (2002) Sovereign Ordinance No. 15.699 Establishing the Conditions for the Application of Law No. 1.264 of December 23, 2002, Relating to Private Activities for the Protection of Persons and Property (2003) Montenegro Institution regulating PMSCs: Police - Ministry of the Interior Relevant Legislation: Law on the Protection of Persons and Property (2021) Netherlands Institution regulating PMSCs: Ministry of Security and Justice Email: Relevant Legislation: Private Security Organizations and Detective Agencies Act (2013) Regulation on Private Security Organisations and Detective Agencies (2022) New Zealand Institution regulating PMSCs: Private Security Personnel Licencing Authority - Ministry of Justice Email: Relevant Legislation: Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act (2010) North Macedonia Institution regulating PMSCs: Chamber of the Republic of North Macedonia for private security  Relevant Legislation: Private Security Law (2012) Norway Institution regulating PMSCs: National Security Authority - Ministry of Justice and Public Security Relevant Legislation: Security Services Act (2001) National Security Act (2018) Panama Institution regulating PMSCs: Institutional Directorate for Public Security Affairs (DIASP) - Ministry of Public Security Relevant Legislation: Executive Order No. 21 Regulating the Operation of Private Security Agencies (1992) Resolution Nº 106-13-DGMM (2012) Poland Institution regulating PMSCs: Department for Personal and Property Protection Services and Detective Services - Department of Permits and Concessions - Minister of Internal Affairs Email: Relevant Legislation: Act on the Protection of People and Property (1995) Portugal Institution regulating PMSCs: Public Security Police - Department of Public Security - Ministry of Internal Administration Email: Relevant Legislation: Law No. 34 on the Regime for Exercising a Private Security Activity (2013) Law No. 46 Amending the Regime for Exercising a Private Security Activity and Self-Protection (2019) Qatar Institution regulating PMSCs: Ministry of the Interior Relevant Legislation: Law No. 19 Regulating the Provision of Private Security Services (2009) Romania Institution regulating PMSCs: Ministry of Internal Affairs Relevant Legislation: Law No. 333 on the Protection of Objectives, Goods, Values and the Protection of Persons (2003) Law No. 40 for Amending and Supplementing Law No. 333 on the Protection of Objectives, Goods, Values and the Protection of Persons (2010) Sierra Leone Institution regulating PMSCs: Office of National Security Relevant Legislation: National Security and Central Intelligence Act (2023) Slovakia Institution regulating PMSCs: Office of Private Security Services of the Presidium of the Police Force- Ministry of the Interior Relevant Legislation: Act No. 473 on the Provision of Private Security Services (2005) Slovenia Institution regulating PMSCs: Internal Affairs Inspectorate - Ministry of the Interior Relevant Legislation: Private Security Act (2011) South Africa Institution regulating PMSCs: Private Security Industry Regulation Authority - Ministry of Police Email: Relevant Legislation: Private Security Industry Regulation Act (2001) Private Security Industry Regulation Amendment Act (2014) Spain Institution regulating PMSCs: Central Private Security Unit - Police Department - Ministry of the Interior Directorate General of the Civil Guard Relevant Legislation: Law No. 5 on Private Security (2014) Royal Decree No. 2364 Approving the Private Security Regulations (1994) Sweden Sweden currently has no nationwide regulator for PMSCs; instead, counties have their own regulators: County Administrative Boards Relevant Legislation: Security Companies Act (1974) Switzerland Institution regulating PMSCs: Export Controls and Private Security Services - International Security Division (ISD) - The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) Email: Relevant Legislation: Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (2013) Uganda Institution regulating PMSCs: Inspector General of Police - Ministry of Internal Affairs Relevant Legislation: Statutory Instrument No. 11 on Police (Control of Private Security Organisations) Regulations (2013) Ukraine Institution regulating PMSCs: Ministry of Internal Affairs Relevant Legislation: Law on Security Activities (2013) Resolution On Approval of the Licensing Conditions for Security Activities (2015) United Kingdom Institution regulating PMSCs: Security Industry Authority - Home Office Email: Relevant Legislation: Private Security Industry Act (2001) United States Of America Institution regulating PMSCs: Attorney General's Office Relevant Legislation: Private Security Officer Employment Authorization Act (2004) 32 CFR Part 159 - Private Security Contractors (PSCs) Operating in Contigency Operations, Humanitarian or Peace Operations, or Other Military Operations or Exercises (2011) Complementary legislation and regulations exist at the state level. Uruguay Institution regulating PMSCs: Directorate General for Business Oversight - Ministry of the Interior Email: Relevant Legislation: Law No. 19721 Regulation of Private Security Work (2018) Decree No. 35/022 on the Regulation of Law No.19721, Relating to the Regulation of Private Security Work (2022) Decree No. 275/999 on the Regulation of Companies Providing Security, Surveillance, and Related Services (1999) European Union There is currently no European-level legislation regulating private security activities. ]]> https://www.montreuxdocument.org/national-regulators-mdf-participants.html https://www.montreuxdocument.org/national-regulators-mdf-participants.html Tue, 28 Oct 2025 11:47:00 +0000 On August 15th, 2025, Honduras officially declared its participation to the Montreux Document, becoming the 61st supporting State.
As the 6th 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.]]> https://www.montreuxdocument.org/news/honduras-joins-the-montreux-document.html https://www.montreuxdocument.org/news/honduras-joins-the-montreux-document.html Mon, 25 Aug 2025 11:12:00 +0000 On June 9th, 2025, Latvia officially became the 60th State Participant to the Montreux Document.
This illustrates the continued and growing engagement with the Document’s goals and principles. Latvia’s joining is a milestone as it marks the participation of all EU states, an encouraging step for further participation.  Latvia has a strong private security industry which makes its participation and engagement with the standards, regulations and principles of the MD incredibly valuable. We are also looking forward to their valuable contribution to the various exchanges and dialogues fostered and facilitated by the MDF Secretariat.   As we celebrate this achievement, we remain committed to advancing the next steps toward transparent and effective regulation of PMSCs, in full accordance with international humanitarian law and human rights.   We encourage the continued engagement of national authorities with the MDF.  For any inquiries about the Montreux Document or the MDF's work, please feel free to contact us at this address: secretariat@montreuxdocument.org ]]> https://www.montreuxdocument.org/news/latvia-joins-the-montreux-document-forum.html https://www.montreuxdocument.org/news/latvia-joins-the-montreux-document-forum.html Sun, 15 Jun 2025 15:06:00 +0000 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.  ]]> https://www.montreuxdocument.org/news/guatemala-mdf.html https://www.montreuxdocument.org/news/guatemala-mdf.html Wed, 11 Sep 2024 09:45:00 +0000 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.  ]]> https://www.montreuxdocument.org/news/oea-resolution-mdf.html https://www.montreuxdocument.org/news/oea-resolution-mdf.html Wed, 31 Jul 2024 09:36:00 +0000 The 10th anniversary of the International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA) and the 15th anniversary of the Montreux Document represent significant milestones in the ongoing efforts to promote responsible security practices in situations of armed conflict and high-risk environments, where the potential for human rights abuses and violations of humanitarian law is a pressing concern. These anniversaries mark the beginning of a journey with states and the security industry, aimed at enhancing accountabili
]]> https://www.montreuxdocument.org/celebrating-15-years/jamie_williamson.html https://www.montreuxdocument.org/celebrating-15-years/jamie_williamson.html Tue, 21 Nov 2023 09:23:00 +0000