Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Jathniel Malalay
In recent decades, the problem of the use of Private Military Contractors (PMCs) has become
an increasingly controversial aspect of modern warfare. Governments worldwide increasingly
use PMCs to reduce military costs and avoid direct involvement in combat. Although some
suggest that these contractors provide efficiency for military operations, they may pose dangers
if it is not overseer properly, which is why it must be heavily regulated to ensure the protection of
international human rights law.
Switzerland has made its clear and strong stance against PMCs, we want to end the
involvement of PMCs or at least heavily regulate their actions in armed conflicts on foreign soil
and to require that companies that provide security services, logistical support, or personal
protection obtain authorization to operate in crisis or conflict zones. PMCs should be subjected
to legal frameworks, such as international humanitarian law (IHL), international human rights
law (IHRL), and national legislation before claiming they work in a legal vacuum. Heavy
precautions such as strengthening legal frameworks, and enhancing accountability mechanisms
should be put in place by the International community to prevent the misuse of PMCs in conflict
zones.
Therefore, we in Switzerland urge the General Assembly of the United Nations to pursue a more
strict and heavily regulated approach regarding PMCs, as it is too heavy of a risk to have these
companies roam into conflict zones when there are no precautions in place. They should be
bound to legal frameworks and be overseer properly to ensure the protection of international
humanitarian law.
