Resources

The following items are resources produced by the Working Group on the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination.

Mercenarism and Private Military and Security Companies (2018)
This document provides an overview of the work carried out by the Working Group on the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination.

Concept Note on a Possible Legally Binding Instrument (2016)
This document contributes to the discussion on a possible legally binding instrument on private military and security companies (PMSCs). It outlines the Working Group’s revised main elements informing the revision of the existing Draft of a possible Convention on PMSCs.

The International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (2010)
The Code, which is the result of a multi-stakeholder initiative, articulates responsibilities of private security companies under human rights and international humanitarian law to ensure the responsible provision of private security services, particularly when operating in complex environments.

The Montreux Document (2009)
The Montreux Document is the first international document to reaffirm the international legal obligations of States regarding the activities of private military and security companies. It also contains a series of best practices designed to help States take appropriate measures to comply with their obligations under international law.