Topic: Status of Defense Contractors and Non-National Combatants
Country: France
Delegate Name: Emily Stringer
School: Flint Central Academy
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All France position papers GLIMUN 2008 committees
Over the last decade, the status of defense contractors and non-national combatants is a major issue that has grown within the defense sector. International law such as the Geneva Convention recognizes the necessity of civilians’ support for combat forces, but only in noncombatant roles that keep them out of a direct engagement with enemy forces. Although the international community generally recognizes an international legal precedent for civilians to provide support during war, advances in weapons systems and changes in war fighting strategies have blurred the lines between support and combat, and combatant and noncombatant.
The legal status of civilian contractors depends upon the nature of their work and their nationalities with respect to that of the combatants. France has made some progress in defense privatization as well as defense restructuring. In the French defense market, it is important to bear in mind that French multinational corporations contribute significantly to overall market demand with privately financed programs and large scale export activities. France stresses that reconstruction and reintegration of ex-combatants must be sped up and resources must be utilized properly. France is also, one of the leading contributors of personnel and funding to NATO, with 5,000 of its troops committed to Alliance operations. France contributes 15.3% of the civilian budget and 13.8% of the military budget for the Alliance. France considers that the European defence structure and the NATO structure are complements to each other and not rivals. We have signed the Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I).
Together, we can prevent unauthorized persons from performing military duties. France encourages the international community to formulate legitimate tactics for defense contractors and non-national combatants.
