Topic: Status of Defense Contractors and Non-National Combatants
Country: Spain
Delegate Name: Linas Templeton
School: Saline High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Spain position papers GLIMUN 2008 committees
Defense contracters have a long history- since ancient Egypt, "mercinaries" have been used to supplement the armies of nations. In almost every major conflict around the world Defense Contractors are used either to support occupying armies or to participate in "liberation" movements, or simply to use them to dance around international law. Article of the third geneva convention treaty states that supply contractors are covered under the protection of "Prisoners of War", also requiring that these supply contractors have an identification card as well as not participating in roles that directly support combat operations. However, this applies to "supply contractors", not to Defence contractors. these people are also not necessarily held to the same standard of conduct that members of the armies of nations. This inevitably leads to some abuses such as the recent Blackwater incidents.
The Kingdom of Spain feels that the groups responsible for these actions should be held accountable, and as such supports measures similar to asking all nations that have not ratified article four of the Third Geneva Convention Treaty do so. The Kingdom of Spain also feels that the Defense contractors and their employees are held to the same standard as other groups participating in millitary operations and be afforded the protections of those groups as well.
The Kingdom of Spain has ratified the Geneva Convention Treaties. Spain is not, however, directly affected by this issue, as the Kingdom of Spain is currently not enganged in any wars at this time.
