Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Russian Federation
Delegate Name: Charlotte Dykstra
In recent decades, Private Military Contractors (PMCs) have emerged as prominent, yet controversial, figures in international conflict. PMCs have been used as both additions to national military personnel and humanitarian aid in many countries. However, these companies have raised ethical, legal, and security concerns among the international community due to the fact that they are private entities not subject to international jurisdiction and guidelines such as the Geneva Convention.
While the Russian Federation is aware of the need for guidelines regarding PMCs, Russia also recognizes the important role PMCs play in increasing national capacity. Between May 2022 and May 2023, President Vladimir Putin confirmed that the Russian state has provided monetary support to the Wagner group, a state-funded PMC. While Article 359 of the Russian criminal code prohibits the recruitment, financing, and use of mercenaries, PMCs such as the Wagner group operate outside of this legal framework as they lack explicit regulation under Russian law.
Although no binding regulations regarding PMCs currently exist, the UN has endorsed both the Montreux Document and the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers (ICoC). Despite frequent participation in foreign discussions regarding PMCs, Russia is reluctant to adopt regulations that would limit states’ flexibility. Russia is not a signatory on the Montreux document or a participant in the ICoC as Russian leadership believes them to be extensions of pre-existing international legislation.
As a center for global stability and an advocate for international sovereignty, the Russian Federation recognizes the importance of regulatory oversight regarding PMCs. The delegation of Russia advocates for the implementation of a flexible, sovereign-based framework through enhanced bilateral and regional agreements that focus on transparency and reporting as opposed to strict, binding international agreements that could hinder PMCs effectiveness and capability for positive change. The Russian Federation recognizes that PMCs play a crucial role in supporting humanitarian aid where local law enforcement is deemed insufficient or the situation is too dangerous for international peace-keeping organizations and maintains that PMCs should focus on logistics and protection in humanitarian missions. The delegation of Russia is committed to working towards a solution that effectively addresses specific issues concerning PMCs while respecting the sovereignty of all nations.
