Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Katherine Risley
Japan recognizes the increasing prominence of Private Military Contractors (PMCs) since their creation in the 1990s. In addition to their rise in popularity, the role of PMCs has expanded greatly within recent conflicts, taking on responsibilities of security, logistics, and direct combat. Although Japan acknowledges the importance of PMCs in reducing the cost of warfare, Japan urges all members of the UN to understand the dangers posed by the unchecked role of PMCs within international conflicts. Japan maintains a strict stance on the significance of regulation of PMCs via the UN to prevent misuse and promote accountability.
Since the devastation of World War II, Japan has committed to advocating for global peace and security by renouncing war and use of military force as means of settling disputes in article 9 of Japan’s constitution. Instead, Japan prioritizes diplomatic solutions and humanitarian efforts, utilizing military force only in defensive operations. Japan believes that PMCs operating outside the oversight of international laws pose a significant threat to global security and human rights. While Japan understands that PMCs can provide security services and play helpful roles outside of direct combat operations, it firmly opposes their involvement in direct combat or any other actions that undermine the integrity of international law.
Japan believes that the best way to encourage appropriate and usage of PMCs by all nations is through bringing PMCs under international scrutiny. Japan thinks that within the DISEC committee, focus should be placed on creating a resolution that sets clear standards for the actions of PMCs, expanding on the ideas within the Montreux document, which outlines good practices for PMCs operating within conflict zones. By outlining strict regulations and promoting global cooperation and transparency, Japan believes that the UN can ensure PMCs contribute to peace and stability without exacerbating conflicts or violating human rights.
