Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Syrian Arab Republic
Delegate Name: Charlie Francis
Private Military Contractors (PMCs) over the last few decades have evolved to be active participants in most modern conflicts, usually in regions that are difficult for governments to establish stability. Offering specialized military and security services an opportunity to work in these regions but some of these contractors’ actions often tend to go against the international rule of law and avoid challenges to state authority.
In Syria, PMCs have played a great role in the ongoing conflict. Foreign-backed PMCs, acting without the consent of the Syrian government, have contributed to further destabilizing the region, whereas government-aligned PMCs have been instrumental in restoring control over territories and combating terrorism.
The Syrian Arab Republic considers PMCs as tools capable of supporting the sovereign governments or their destabilization. In circumstances when used responsibly under state supervision, PMCs can enhance legitimate governments in their fight against terrorism and rebellion. This was seen in Syria, where the PMCs allied with the government, such as Wagner Group, played a vital role in defending the state and protecting civilians from armed insurgents.
However, Syria disapproves of the activity performed by PMCs, when these are independent of any approval by the host government. Such actions are a breach of sovereignty in Syria and in most cases are intended to maintain foreign interests to destabilize our nation. The Syrian government firmly asserts that all PMCs must operate only with explicit consent from the government of the country in which they are deployed.
Syria allowed government-approved PMCs to operate on its territory in order to support combat and provide logistics during many conflicts with one of these being the battle of Deir ez-Zor in late 2017. These contractors played a significant role in stabilizing key regions and pushing back terrorist groups.
Meanwhile, Syria has publicly condemned foreign-backed PMCs, especially those linked with Western or hostile powers, for their illegal interference in the country’s affairs. The government has raised these concerns within international forums by underlining respect for Syria’s sovereignty.
The Syrian Arab Republic believes in taking steps that will help to focus on the role of PMCs in international conflicts. For example, Syria would like to see requirements on host state approval, which ensures all PMCs function with the expressed approval of the legitimate government of the country they are deployed to. Additionally, Syria supports a UN-led framework to monitor and regulate the activities of PMCs so as not to undermine sovereign governments. Syria would also look favorably on developing mechanisms for holding PMCs responsible for human rights abuses or other illegal activities, over which the host state would provide oversight. Finally, Syria looks to act to protect sovereign interests by allowing sovereign governments to make use of PMCs for internal security and defense for the purpose of combating terrorism and insurgency and banning foreign-backed interference.
The Syrian Arab Republic believes that PMCs, under the conditions of strict state control, might become a valuable instrument for governments in the maintenance of security and stability. Syria calls on the international community not only to hold high the principles of sovereignty but also to ensure that PMCs serve as instruments of stability, not as exploiters. Countering terrorism and protecting the citizens is the Syrian government’s commitment, using all available tools, including PMCs, provided these forces are operating within a detailed and controlled environment.
