Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Albania
Delegate Name: Julia Malone
Julia Malone
Submitted To: DISEC
From: Albania
Subject: Private Military Contractors
Private Military Contractors (PMCs) are private companies that offer a wide range of military and security services, from combat operation and logistical support to training. Since the 1990s, their services have become sought after to an unprecedented degree in conflict zones where states outsource military responsibilities. Even though PMCs offer operational flexibility and cost-effectiveness, the challenges of accountability, sovereignty, and adherence to international law are concerns related to the use of PMCs.
Albanian authorities acknowledge the increasing role of PMCs within international security operations and the possible benefits that may accrue because of their intervention. Additionally, the Government of Albania is aware of the risks associated with PMCs, such as human rights violations, lack of transparency, and interference in sovereign affairs. Albania believes that the use of PMCs needs to be seriously regulated in a manner that aligns with international norms and respects the sovereignty of states where private military companies operate.
Historically, Albania has been very cautious about privatized military and security services. While not directly employing PMCs in our military strategy, Albania has supported international efforts to establish legal frameworks for their operations. In 2011, Albania signed the Montreux Document, a key international agreement laying out best practices and legal obligations for states on the use of PMCs. This endorsement reflects the commitment undertaken by Albania to ensure that PMCs operate within legal boundaries and show respect for human rights.
However, Albania is worried that all these efforts are not backed by accountability mechanisms. There have been various cases where PMCs have been accused of abuses, including the 2007 Nisour Square massacre in Iraq, in which the contractors from Blackwater took part. Such incidents demonstrate the urgent requirement to reinforce mechanisms of oversight and enforcement. Albania believes that in the absence of such mechanisms, the PMCs will certainly be used as instruments of private interests rather than instruments of legitimate security.
Under the UN, Albania has sought broader regulation on PMCs by the creation of binding international treaties regarding their legal status, accountability, and limits on their operations. Albania also proffers a global registry for PMCs as an effort toward transparency and monitoring by international bodies.
Albania would like to fill the gap in existing legislation governing the actions of PMCs through this committee. We would look favorably upon establishing an independent international oversight body tasked with monitoring PMC operations and investigating allegations of misconduct. Albania also advocates for stricter licensing requirements for PMCs, ensuring they are held to the same standards as state militaries. Albania looks forward to engaging in productive discussions and working with other delegations to develop practical solutions for the responsible use of PMCs in international security operations.
Works Cited
Montreux Document. “On Pertinent International Legal Obligations and Good Practices for States Related to Operations of Private Military and Security Companies During Armed Conflict.” International Committee of the Red Cross, 17 Sept. 2008.
Human Rights Watch. “Private Military Contractors and Accountability.” Human Rights Watch, 2007, https://www.hrw.org.
Percy, Sarah. Regulating the Private Security Industry: A Review of the Montreux Document and Related Initiatives. Oxford University Press, 2012.
Singer, P.W. Corporate Warriors: The Rise of the Privatized Military Industry. Cornell University Press, 2004.
United Nations. “Albania Statement on Private Military Contractors – Sixth Committee (Legal) — 77th Session.” United Nations, Oct. 2022.
