Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Finland
Delegate Name: Robert/RJ Langen
Disarmament and International Security (Disec)
Private Military Contractors
Republic of Finland
RJ/Robert Langen
Forest Hills Northern
Finland acknowledges the growing prominence of Private Military Contractors (PMCs) in global conflicts and recognizes the multifaceted challenges they introduce to international security and humanitarian principles. The utilization of PMCs has expanded significantly since the end of the Cold War, with states and non-state actors increasingly outsourcing military and security functions to private entities. This trend has led to blurred distinctions between combatants and non-combatants, complicating the enforcement of international humanitarian law and raising serious concerns about accountability for human rights violations. Incidents such as the 2007 Nisour Square shooting involving Blackwater contractors in Iraq and the alleged activities of the Wagner Group in various conflict zones underscore the potential for PMCs to exacerbate conflicts and undermine peace efforts. The absence of a universally accepted legal framework governing PMCs further exacerbates these challenges, necessitating urgent international attention.
As a nation deeply committed to the principles of international law, human rights, and the rules-based international order, Finland has consistently advocated for transparency and accountability in all military operations. Finland has not employed PMCs in its national defense or international missions, relying instead on its well-trained national defense forces and contributing to United Nations and European Union peacekeeping and crisis management operations through official military channels. Finland is a participant in the Montreux Document, which affirms that “States have an obligation to ensure respect for international humanitarian law by private military and security companies they contract,” highlighting the responsibility of states in regulating PMCs. This commitment reflects Finland’s dedication to upholding international legal standards and addressing the challenges posed by PMCs. Finland supports initiatives such as the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (ICoC), which aims to establish industry standards and promote responsible conduct among private security companies. By engaging in these international efforts, Finland demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that PMCs operate transparently and are held accountable for their actions.
Finland urges the international community to develop a comprehensive legal framework to regulate the activities of PMCs, ensuring their compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights standards. Finland recommends that the United Nations take a proactive role in facilitating multilateral negotiations aimed at establishing clear definitions, legal statuses, and accountability mechanisms for PMCs. This could involve expanding upon the principles outlined in the Montreux Document and transforming them into a binding international convention. Finland also encourages all member states to strengthen their national legislation to effectively regulate PMCs operating within their jurisdictions and to cooperate in the exchange of information regarding PMC activities. By promoting transparency, accountability, and adherence to international law, the international community can mitigate the risks associated with PMCs and contribute to global peace and security.
References:
https://www.montreuxdocument.org/about/montreux-document.html
https://icoca.ch/the-code/
