Event information

7 December 2022, 14:00-15:30

Private Military Companies and the Future of Conflict

Event

A Blackwater Security Company MD-530F helicopter aids in securing the site of a car bomb explosion in Baghdad, Iraq, on December 4, 2004, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM A Blackwater Security Company MD-530F helicopter aids in securing the site of a car bomb explosion in Baghdad, Iraq, on December 4, 2004, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM

Private military companies (PMCs) are playing an increasingly high-profile role in many conflict settings around the world. The war in Ukraine and evidence of Russian mercenaries in a growing number of countries, raise serious questions about accountability and remedy. Security companies, military contractors, mercenaries… what distinguishes these different categories of private actors? What role do PMCs play, can they operate responsibly, what are the laws applicable and how can they be held to account?

This panel discussion – co-organized with the International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA) and part of its Annual General Assembly – will consider the growing importance of PMCs and what role, if any, ICoCA, law and regulation might play in promoting human rights observance and strengthening accountability in what is often considered an opaque and disreputable industry.

Moderator

  • Jamie Williamson, Executive Director, ICoCA

Panelists

  • Gloria Gaggioli, Director, Geneva Academy and Associate/SNF Professor, University of Geneva
  • Alessandro Arduino, Principal Research Fellow, Middle East Institute (MEI), National University of Singapore and Associate, Lau China Institute, King’s College London
  • Sorcha MacLeod, Marie Curie Fellow and Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen and Chair, United Nations Working Group on Mercenaries
  • Ori Swed, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, Texas Tech University

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

Online folders News

New Publication Assesses Innovative Digital Human Rights Tracking Tools and Databases

20 March 2023

The new Working Paper published by our Geneva Human Rights Platform identifies convergences, challenges and best practices related to innovative digital human rights tracking tools and databases.

Read more

Juan Pablo Bohoslavsky, Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt present his annual report and reports on his missions to China and Greece at the 31st regular session of the Human Rights Council. 7 March 2016 News

New Expert Pool Will Strengthen the Capacity of Human Rights Mechanisms to Incorporate IHL into Their Work

29 September 2022

As part of this new IHL-EP, the Geneva Academy requested to intervene as a third party in the proceedings before the European Court of Human Rights concerning the case of Ukraine v. Russia (X).

Read more

An explosion from an air bomb in the center of the city of Kharkov, the metro station Constitution Square, March 2022 Event

Special Tribunal for Aggression: Worth the Risk(s)?

29 March 2023, 18:30-20:00

This IHL Talk will explore various issues related to the potential establishment of a 'Special Tribunal for Aggression' and will discuss whether it is the best or most appropriate option to make sure that the crime of aggression does not go unpunished.

Read more

Portrait of Magistrate Roberto Vidal Event

Taking Stock of Five Years of Work at the Special Jurisdiction for Peace: Challenges and Achievements

31 March 2023, 18:30-20:00

In this discussion co-organized with the Permanent Mission of Colombia to the UN in Geneva, the President of Colombia's Special Jurisdiction for Peace Magistrate Roberto Vidal will discuss the challenges and achievements of this body.

Read more

Syria, Harasta, destroyed buildings Training

Advanced IHL Seminar for Academics and Policymakers

28 August - 1 September 2023

Organized by the Geneva Academy and the ICRC, the Advanced IHL seminar for academics and humanitarian policymakers aims to enhance the capacity of academics to teach and research IHL and contemporary issues arising during armed conflict, while also equipping policymakers with an in-depth understanding of ongoing legal debates and their relevance to decision-making.

Read more

Afghanistan, Parwan detention facility. Inside a room where detainees of the prison, separated by an acrylic glass, are allowed to meet with their families a couple of times per year with the help of the ICRC employees who facilitate the programme. Short Course

Preventing and Combating Terrorism

27 April - 8 June 2023

This online short course discusses the extent to which states may limit and/or derogate from their international human rights obligations in order to prevent and counter-terrorism and thus protect persons under their jurisdiction.

Read more

Panel Discussion: Project

Treaty Body Members’ Platform

Started in January 2014

The Treaty Body Members’ Platform connects experts in UN treaty bodies with each other as well as with Geneva-based practitioners, academics and diplomats to share expertise, exchange views on topical questions and develop synergies.

Read more

Computer screen with warning: civilian infrastucture: do not attack Project

Digitalization of Conflict Joint Initiative: Humanitarian Impact and Legal Protection

Started in September 2020

This project will explore humanitarian consequences and protection needs caused by the digitalization of armed conflicts and the extent to which these needs are addressed by international law, especially international humanitarian law.

Read more

Cover of the publication Publication

The Emergence of Digital Human Rights Tracking Tools and Databases

published on March 2023

Domenico Zipoli

Read more

Cover of the publication Publication

Assessment Tool for Special Procedures' Impact Evaluation – Developing an Initial Framework

published on January 2023

Jonathan Andrew

Read more