Private Military Contractors

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Algeria
Delegate Name: Colin Pattison

Disarmament and International Security Committee
Private Military Contractors
Algeria
Colin Pattison
Forest Hills Eastern

Private military contractors (PMCs) are companies that provide military and security services to governments, corporations, and other entities for financial gain. As Algeria we have faced significant challenges with mercenaries and foreign interference in the past which has led to skepticism and distrust toward PMCs. These privately owned military companies often operate across borders without adequate oversight, raising concerns about their impact on national sovereignty and regional stability. We strongly believe that the unregulated use of PMCs poses a direct threat to sovereignty and security, particularly in Africa, where such entities have been known to exploit conflicts like ours for profit.
Algeria remains committed to maintaining peace and security through collective efforts rather than by private military intervention. PMCs frequently operate outside of international accountability, leading to issues such as human rights abuses and illegal arms trading. For a country like Algeria, which values sovereignty and the rule of law, this lack of regulation presents a serious problem. Instead of relying on PMCs, Algeria advocates for strengthening multilateral frameworks, such as those established by the United Nations and the African Union, to address security challenges collectively. These organizations ensure that security operations align with international law and prioritize the stability of sovereign nations.
Algeria urges the United Nations to implement stricter regulations and monitoring for PMCs. These regulations should require transparency in contracts, limit their operational scope, and hold them accountable for violations of international law. Algeria also recommends that the UN increase support for regional cooperation in addressing security threats, such as through African Union peacekeeping missions. By working together through lawful and transparent means, nations can ensure that security remains a collective responsibility rather than a commodity for private entities.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Jordan
Delegate Name: Siya Gupta

The delegation from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan recognizes the complex role of Private Military Contractors (PMCs) in global security and humanitarian efforts. While PMCs provide valuable expertise, security, and logistical support, their use raises critical concerns regarding accountability, legal oversight, and the militarization of aid. Jordan has experienced both the benefits and challenges of engaging with PMCs, particularly due to its strategic location near conflict zones in Syria and Iraq.

Jordan’s involvement with PMCs has been marked by collaboration in security training and humanitarian missions. Facilities like the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center (KASOTC) serve as regional hubs for military training, hosting PMCs to enhance operational capabilities. However, incidents such as the mismanagement of weapons under the US led “Timber Sycamore” program highlight the risks of unregulated PMC activities, including the diversion of arms to the black market, which has threatened Jordan’s security and stability.

Jordan firmly supports international efforts to regulate PMCs and ensure their compliance with humanitarian laws. The UN Working Group on the Use of Mercenaries has emphasized the need for greater oversight, stating that the absence of regulation “raises significant risks to human rights and international security.” Building on this, Jordan advocates for a legally binding framework that outlines the roles and responsibilities of PMCs, ensuring transparency and accountability in their operations.

PMCs must also be restricted from fully militarizing humanitarian missions. Jordan has witnessed how the blending of military and humanitarian objectives can erode trust between aid workers and local communities. To mitigate this, Jordan proposes global regulation, which is the establishment of a legally binding international treaty to define PMC operations, requiring licensing, registration, and regular reporting. As well as accountability mechanisms such as the creation of an international tribunal to address PMC-related misconduct and ensure justice for affected parties. And acknowledging the oversight in humanitarian aid, while suggesting mandating that PMCs in humanitarian missions operate strictly in non-combat roles, such as securing supply lines, without interfering in aid delivery. We emphasize all this with a final call for regional collaboration, enhancing cooperation among Middle Eastern states to monitor PMC activities, share intelligence, and prevent illegal operations.

Jordan calls on Member States to work collaboratively with the UN to ensure PMCs contribute positively to global peacekeeping efforts while safeguarding sovereignty and human rights. With these measures, the international community can harness the benefits of PMCs without compromising ethical and legal standards.

References:
Here are the requested URLs:
https://press.un.org/en/2018/gashc4246.doc.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timber_Sycamore https://www.eda.admin.ch/dam/eda/en/documents/aussenpolitik/voelkerrecht/Montreux-Dokument_en.pdf
https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/wg-mercenaries https://ti-defence.org/gdi/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/11/GDI2020_Overview_Jordan_251119.pd

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Ecuador
Delegate Name: Hunter Moore

The Republic of Ecuador acknowledges the threat that private military companies pose to human rights and political stability across the globe. While private military companies, which shall henceforth be referred to as PMCs, can be helpful in the training of national security and law enforcement forces, no private company should be allowed to wield as much military power that many PMCs do at the present moment. In addition to its unconditional support of previous international efforts in combating mercenaries, like the International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries and the Montreux Document, the Republic of Ecuador stands firm in its belief that PMCs currently pose a risk to many nation’s stability and sovereignty.

While the Republic of Ecuador enjoys stability in the modern day, the history of Latin America shows that the inclusion of more unrestrained armed actors would do nothing but harm to regional stability. With anti-cartel efforts still ongoing in Ecuador and neighboring countries, adding forces motivated by profit rather than public good would only fuel instability and divert funds from important government operations and programs. National armies and law enforcement agencies should be the main combative force in any government initiative, with PMCs occupying only training or static security roles.

The Republic of Ecuador supports the creation of a legally binding international regulatory framework, building upon earlier UN initiatives, to regulate private military companies. PMCs must be expected to uphold their corporate responsibility to respect human rights, as outlined in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. As long as they respect the human rights of all peoples and cooperate with regulatory efforts, PMCs will be a force of security rather than oppression.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Sierra Leone
Delegate Name: Ayden Fisher

Country: Sierra Leone
Topic: Private Military Contractors
Committee: Disarmament and International Security Committee
School: Forest Hills Central High School

The world is in a constant state of motion. Whether it’s the back-to-back devastation in the southern part of North America by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, or the horrible attacks on Gaza, sometimes people need to reach out for another’s help. That is where Private Military Contractors (PMCs) come in. PMCs are privately owned companies that offer military, security, and legal services to countries and other militaries. Due to their military expertise, PMCs have been used in a multitude of wars and confrontations with other countries. One such example was during the war between Afghanistan and Iraq. Blackwater Academi, a PMC that was founded by a former United States Navy SEAL in 2014 led to some controversy between the United States and Iraq. In 2007, a shootout was held in Baghdad Nisour Square, leaving Blackwater to be accused of killing 17 unarmed Iraqi civilians. Another incident in 2006 occurred when a Blackwater contractor shot an Iraqi vice-presidential guard and killed him. This led to the Iraqi government demanding Blackwater to leave the country. This event seemed to open the doors to controversy on the topic and whether Private US Military Contractors should operate in Iraq. These contractors are not subject to the same restrictions and regulations as actual military personnel. The United Nations has since talked about this potential issue, and in 2013 a panel was held where the main focus was on the use of Private Military Contractors as armed guards and in peacekeeping operations.

Sierra Leone has had many issues with civil unrest in the past, some of which would’ve been extremely difficult to overcome without the use of PMCs. In 1991, At the end of Sierra Leon’s brutal 11-year civil war that led to the death of approximately 50,000 people. This war exhausted natural resources and majorly displaced the economy. What ended this war was the British Intervention, otherwise known as Operation Palliser. Operation Palliser was crucial in establishing peace within the country. The state of Sierra Leone during this time was in a state of unrest as shown in an article from In on Africa (IOA) states, “Life expectancy at birth was 38 years, the adult literacy rate was 31% and the infant mortality rate was a high 164 deaths per 1,000 births. Unsurprisingly then, out of 174 countries in the Human Development Index, Sierra Leone came in at last place. Furthermore, per capita annual income was US$ 200, and the government was operating in exile from Nigeria. By that time, the country had been at war for almost nine years.” Without the intervention of the British PMC’s, the peace that Sierra Leone now surrounds itself with would not have been possible.

Given that PMCs have been necessary to help establish peace and infrastructure, Sierra Leone urges that the use of PMCs remain permitted, but preventative measures be put in place. Measures should be set so any PMC that is in another country follows that country’s laws. Sierra Leone encourages the use of PMCs in humanitarian missions, and their use in providing security and protection. PMC’s were vital in the growth towards peace for Sierra Leone, so it should be set to keep their use the same.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Sweden
Delegate Name: Luke Roberts

Military contractors and mercenaries have existed for thousands of years. These groups provide military support, while getting significant compensation for their actions. While these groups had a dip in use across the early to mid-20th century, private militaries have grown common in modern war zones, being used frequently in the Middle East throughout the 21st century. PMCs have grown quite large and powerful, with the ability to be incredibly capable for a price. While these forces are competent, they have used excessive violence before, breaking international law and causing harm to civilians. However, due to their curious legal situation, they have received little to no persecution for their crimes.
In acknowledgement of Sweden’s population being 90th in the world, there are certain militaristic limitations due to the number of personnel that can be used at one time. The lesser number of troops Sweden can provide relative to larger countries puts Sweden at a disadvantage in providing military and humanitarian aid across the world. PMCs can help bolster the size of Sweden’s military. This raises the number of troops Sweden can provide along with allowing more humanitarian aid due to the increase in on-ground personnel. These groups have proven to complete military assignments along with doing it at a lower price rate than that of typical soldiers.
While there are benefits to utilizing these PMCs, there is no price to pay for civilian lives. There are concerns with these PMCs in regards to the murky legal area that they operate in. They have been accused of various crimes, however they continue to go unpersecuted. There have been attempts to address this issue. The Montreux document in particular emphasized the need for private militaries in combat zones to follow international laws. It addressed concerns with these groups and allowed limitations to be exercised on them. Concerns with military contractors have already been put in place, and they have already been limited in scope of impact on local conflict areas. Sweden proposes strengthening various international laws to allow the persecution of these groups for their crimes.
While more limitations can be put in place to prevent infringements on human rights, private military groups are essential in conflicts and are already limited in scope. Sweden understands the concerns with PMCs, however, Sweden believes that private militaries provide important services while also strengthening global peace and prosperity. Certain limitations on PMCs are important to limiting their impact on civilians and local governments, however fully eliminating them is unnecessary and irresponsible due to their current positive effect on global peace.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Israel
Delegate Name: Sam Ostrow

Firstly, Israel proposes expanding discussions to private security companies and contractors along with private military contractors (PMCs), and suggests referring to them using an all-encompassing term of Private Military Security Contractors (PMSCs). We believe that the best way to address the issues that face PMSCs is to work through the problems holistically as security and military are extremely intertwined.

On the seventh of October, 2023, Israel was attacked by the terrorist organization Hamas whose mission was to slaughter Jews without regard for the sanctity of human life. In acts of execution, rape, human cruelty, and pure evil, the lives of 1,200 of our brothers, sisters, fathers, and mothers were taken in the most horrible manner, and hundreds were taken hostage. In a post October 7th world, Israel wishes to express its ironclad support of legal actions by PMSCs and its opposition to criticisms of the legal usage of private security companies. We hold this viewpoint as a key aspect of our security apparatus is PMSCs working at important checkpoints and other critical positions to protect Israeli and Jewish society. The importance of this role has skyrocketed in the past year as threats and attacks against Israel and the Jewish people have reached new heights. Protecting our nation and peoplehood has new levels of difficulty and we will not abandon the people that work to protect us. As a nation utilizing PMSCs as a means to protect, we wish to reaffirm our position of safety and well-being for our citizens. In doing so we hope to seek a proposal that meets our criteria of protecting Israeli society while addressing issues regarding PMSCs.

For, while we oppose the criticism of legal usage, we look forward to cooperation and diplomatic discussion regarding the immoral use of PMSCs in today’s global landscape. We wish to address some of the key examples of immoral usage, with a focus on usage in the Middle East. We are not foreign to the wrongdoing of PMSCs. There is no doubt that the utilization of PMSCs in the Middle East has at times proved harmful to Israeli security. Some PMSCs located around the Middle East have at times aided in the attacking of Israel, through their security of others who seek to harm Israel or their own combative actions. From our experience, we recommend to the Disarmament and International Security Committee of the United Nations the adoption of guardrails for PMSCs. We propose the writing of a code of conduct and regulations that will be established by this committee in order to prevent acts of terrorism, and other violations of international law due to PMSCs actions on behalf of clients. If the regulations or code of conduct is broken by a private contractor while they were acting on behalf of a state party, that state will be subject to both economic and diplomatic consequences that will be determined by this committee during the development of the code of conduct and regulations.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Ukraine
Delegate Name: Mateo Grimaldo

The Usage of PMCs Through Ukraine’s Perspective

Ukraine calls for robust international regulation of private military companies (PMCs) to ensure accountability, adherence to international humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians in conflict zones. The unchecked activities of PMCs, exemplified by groups like Wagner, have demonstrated their potential to violate human rights, undermine sovereignty, and destabilize peace efforts. To address these challenges, Ukraine emphasizes the need for binding legal frameworks, independent oversight mechanisms, and the clear separation of military operations from humanitarian missions. By implementing stringent measures, the international community can mitigate the risks posed by PMCs and promote a more secure, ethical, and peaceful global order. Ukraine advocates for stringent international regulation of private military companies (PMCs) to ensure accountability, compliance with international humanitarian law, and the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Highlighting the risks posed by unregulated PMCs, such as the Wagner Group, Ukraine emphasizes the need for legally binding frameworks, independent oversight, and real-time monitoring to prevent human rights abuses and violations of sovereignty. Furthermore, Ukraine underscores the importance of separating military operations from humanitarian missions to maintain the neutrality and effectiveness of aid efforts, urging the international community to establish robust legal and ethical norms to mitigate the destabilizing impact of PMCs in global conflicts. Private military contractors (PMCs) have been seen as becoming increasingly significant actors in international warfare and peacekeeping since the 1990s, as they offer military expertise and security to logistical support in instances such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and UN humanitarian missions. They raise significant ethical, legal, and security questions due to their ambiguous legal status, lack of transparency, and accountability, even as they enhance operational capacity. Some prominent concerns include human rights abuses and militarization of humanitarian assistance as threats to effective aid. They are thus a little more regulation, compliance with humanitarian law, and accountability mechanisms over the PMCs to ensure their positive impact on world security.
Ukraine stands for making private military companies (PMCs) operate only on well-defined and appropriately framed international legal terms ensuring accountability, non-abuse, and that civilians are protected in conflict zones. PMCs are required to be legible to international humanitarian law (for example, the Geneva Conventions). The Montreux Document (2008) and the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers (ICoC) should also guide the operations of PMCs. Ukraine points this fact in a direction that PMCs should be held accountable in international law; otherwise, they can violate human rights along with laws of armed conflict. Thus very strict regulations will keep PMCs being deployed in oversight and also will have to meet international humanitarian law (IHL), thereby restricting their operations from any mistaken actions like attacking civilians or converting their act to human rights. A case in point is that of the Wagner Group in Ukraine where PMCs have been found wanting charging allegations of war crimes, thereby necessitating a well-governed supervision framework. These failures to secure a legal check for such actors have brought in abuses such as indiscriminate shoot-ups or occasions of violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. Ukraine’s reality has shown that such PMCs can operate lawlessly, creating a demand in the international community for a clear beyond doubt legal possibility for further harm prevention and respect for international norms.
Ukraine believes that an ever-increasing serious international community must impose stronger regulatory measures, such as enduring monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, to prevent PMCs from misusing conflict zones. An international treaty or convention binding specific PMC regulation complemented with independent oversight mechanisms would ensure adherence. Such an arrangement could be made under the aegis of the United Nations and regional organizations like the European Union. While establishing stringent legal norms and increasing transparency, the international community can reduce the negative consequences caused by PMCs and ensure that they do not act punitively in conflict zones. This would include monitoring in real-time, researching violations committed by mercenary companies, and sanctioning acts of non-compliance. Ukraine has been suffering so far because there have been hardly any unregulated PMCs, such as the Wagner Group, on the territory of Ukraine and in other areas of the conflict. It destabilizes the situation and has taken part in actions that undermine international peace and security. Because PMCs are transnational and can influence conflicts in a way that violates international law, the international community must gear up its regulatory tools to strike misuses and set PMCs in organized socializing under legal and ethical norms.
For Ukraine, military private companies should not directly engage in humanitarian missions. Humanitarian aid ought to run from the birth of its life by civil organizations that are bereft of military involvement, thus detracting from the impartiality and neutrality of joint efforts. In its guiding principles of humanitarian aid, the United Nations emphasizes that such humanitarian operations shall be neutral and impartial and the actual involvement of PMCs makes it even less possible. In addition, the military objectives are generally associated with PMCs; thus, their contribution to humanitarian assistance can create deplorable scenarios. PMCs’ involvement with humanitarian missions leads to hybrid scenarios between fighting and aid, with concomitantly declining trust from local communities and violations of the underlying principles of humanitarian action. It leads to a security threat since the aid action may be prone to attack by military factions or other actors fighting in the conflict. The presence of PMCs in Ukraine during warfare has led to problems where it becomes even harder to separate military actions from non-combatant activities. For this obfuscation, civilian populations have received damage and increased the risk that the local population may associate with arms. With the romanization of PMCs, humanitarian efforts will likely cause operational challenges, as it will be difficult to distinguish aid from combat, putting the lives of civilians and those working in aid at risk. The division between military and humanitarian roles remains a crucial pillar towards ethicality and effectiveness in humanitarian missions making murders of agents in such operations uncommon.
This highlights the urgent need for strong international regulation of private military companies (PMCs) to keep their operations in line with international humanitarian law and protect civilian populations, due to situations like that of Ukraine. The complete unleashing of PMC activities most notably, those attributed to the Wagner Group, demonstrates and poses threats of human rights abuses, violation of sovereignty, and the degradation of international norms. All these would, thus, require the international community to create binding legal frameworks, put up independent forms of oversight as well as compartmentalize military and humanitarian missions to keep intervention neutral and effective. Strong measures for regulating and promoting transparency can help the global community minimize the destabilizing effects of PMCs, along with human rights and better prospects for peace and security in countries facing conflict.

Works Cited

Cuénoud, Jonathan and Tilman Rodenhäuser, “Speaking Law to Business: 10-Year Anniversary of the Montreux Document on PMSCs.” International Committee of the Red Cross, blogs.icrc.org/law-and-policy/2018/09/17/speaking-law-business-10-year-anniversary-montreux-document-pmscs/. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
“Ensuring Accountability for Private Military and Security Companies.” UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, www.ohchr.org. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
“Private Military and Security Companies.” Democratic Control of Armed Forces, www.dcaf.ch/sites/default/files/publications/documents/DCAF_BKG_26_PrivateMilitarySecurityCompanies.pdf. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
“The Montreux Document.” Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Switzerland, www.eda.admin.ch/eda/de/home/aussenpolitik/voelkerrecht/humanitaeres-voelkerrecht/private-sicherheitsunternehmen/montreux-dokument.html. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
“The Role of PMSCs in Armed Conflict.” International Peace Institute, www.ipinst.org. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Yemen
Delegate Name: Lore Dulin

The nation of Yemen has been ravaged by an ongoing civil war ever since 2014. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have played a specific role when it comes to the nation of Yemen’s civil war, they both have active military efforts occurring within the nation. These are not the only two countries who have gotten involved, numerous Latin American countries have assisted in the Saudi led coalition. The largest delegation of mercenaries happens to be Latin American, made up of Chile, El Salvador, Columbia, and Panama.
Saudi Arabia understands the threat of the Houthis, who are backed by their main regional competitor, Iran. The nation of Saudi Arabia also saw the need to ensure the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which is critical for oil shipping connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, was under Saudi control.
The nation of Yemen lacks any sort of legal framework of policies when it comes to PMC’s, and generally relies on military aid to support the goal of instilling a more stabilized government. Yemen continues to accept foreign-backed PMC’s due to their critical support in the conflict whether that is directly fighting in the civil war or helping train the Yemeni soldiers.
The Saudi and UAE coalition in January of 2022 carried out three attacks in Yemen in violation of laws of war, resulting in around 80 civilian deaths. Claiming that the attack was on a military facility, the Human Rights Watch found no evidence to support their claims.
The delegate of Yemen sees the immediate need for a regulatory framework, policies, and or laws to control the usage of PMC’s. These regulations must ensure accountability, transparency, and adhere to international law. The usage of foreign military assistance requires clearer guidelines for all nations. The delegate of Yemen requests the United Nations consider the impact these PMC’s have, and their crucial role in fighting the Houthis.
PMC’s must receive a formal framework to guide their work internationally. Yemen is experiencing the consequences of this lack of framework and lack of accountability of these PMC’s first hand. The United Nations must establish systems to hold PMC’s accountable and observe their actions.

References
The Saudi-led War in Yemen: Frequently Asked Questions. (n.d.). Friends Committee On National Legislation. Retrieved 11 20, 2024, from https://www.fcnl.org/issues/middle-east-iran/saudi-led-war-yemen-frequently-asked-questions
States must stop selling weapons to Saudi Arabia for use in Yemen conflict. (2016, February 26). Amnesty. Retrieved 11 22, 2024, from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/press-release/2016/02/states-must-stop-selling-weapons-to-saudi-arabia-amid-yemen-conflict/
Stevenson, T., & Glazebrook, D. (2019, March 28). Saudi’s coalition in Yemen: Militias and mercenaries backed by western firepower. Middle East Eye. Retrieved November 23, 2024, from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/saudis-coalition-yemen-militias-and-mercenaries-backed-western-firepower
Yemen: Latest Round of Saudi-UAE-Led Attacks Targets Civilians. (2022, April 18). Human Rights Watch. Retrieved November 23, 2024, from https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/04/18/yemen-latest-round-saudi-uae-led-attacks-targets-civilians

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Thailand
Delegate Name: Kierstin Morley

Private Military Contractors (PMC), private entities providing military services, is a prevalent topic of discussion due to its habitual use in conflict zones, humanitarian missions and the ongoing debate over accountability in relation to human right abuses. As privately owned companies, PMC’s are not directly subjugated to international law in the same way that state military forces are, raising concerns regarding human right violations and war crimes. Lack of regulation results in potentially unchecked civilian casualties and human right abuses.

Thailand approaches the issue of PMC’s with advocacy for national sovereignty, prevention of human right abuses and avoiding international law violations through PMC regulation within the country. The limitation of PMC allows for the national priorities of Thailand to be the primary focus and allow for PMC’s to work within the legal framework of a country. Thailand’s use of PMC is limited to non-combat support roles and security services evident in its use of maritime security in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea and counter-narcotic operations.

Although Thailand supports the efforts of the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations Human Rights councils attempts to hold PMC’s accountable for human right violations, Thailand also recognizes the potential repercussions of severe regulations and the rights of independent states to preserve national sovereignty. Thailand wishes to address these concerns through resolutions that work to balance regulatory concerns with the sovereignty of individual state’s.

The Kingdom of Thailand recognizes the UN’s obligation to discuss the role of PMC’s and is committed to addressing this issue with a collaborative approach. Thailand suggests PMC’s comply with international agreements that their country of origins are party to. Thailand advocates that PMC’s follow the legal framework of the country they derive from, meaning nations under certain international agreements should in turn have PMC’s that follow those regulations. This suggestion prevents the use of war crimes, improves transparency allowing for less oversight, increases accountability, and decreases potential for human rights abuses.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Annie Alkema

Private Military Contractors (PMCs) have gained popularity worldwide in the post-Cold War era with military changes. They are private companies that offer military support and services to many countries. Over 40 percent of countries use and host at least one main headquarters of a PMC. Although they are commonly used, there is a legal grey area surrounding what they do and how they do it. This can and has led to people being taken advantage of as well. In some cases, this can also lead to developing countries being taken advantage of because the PMC is also controlled by a specific country. Although they are supported to be private companies, that may not always be the case due to the lack of regulations. Limiting the use of PMCs would also hurt some countries because of their military inability to control what is happening in the country. This means that they still need to be accessible to counties, but have some regulations to prevent the people or counties from being taken advantage of.
Nigeria believes that the use of PMCs is necessary in some scenarios. They have been used for many years in the conflict against Boko Haram. This has helped prevent an overthrowing of the current government and to protect civilian lives. Boko Haram is also known to have killed tens of thousands of people and contributed to local food crises and famines. Private Military Contractors have been used to train and build the capacity of the military to better fight Boko Haram. Often the military itself has not been enough to quell the violence happening in the north. This means that there will be continued use of PMCs to help stop the terrorist attacks from Boko Haram.
Nigeria continues to be in support of PMCs although they do recognize that there may need to be changes to the regulations surrounding them. There needs to be laws surrounding the transparency of the PMCs. This would allow for a continued use of them because of their invaluable role within society. There should also be laws surrounding the regulation of PMCs Currently no regulations are surrounding them, but countries that rely on PMCs should be able to know what they have done previously. This would allow them to make decisions that would be good for their countries and prevent further harm to their citizens.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Viet Nam
Delegate Name: Devansh Agrawal

PMCs, or Private Military Contractors, have raised huge concerns and ethical challenges for modern warfare. PMCs have been playing an important role in warfare by providing military support with help ranging from logistics to direct combat services. They have been used extensively since the Cold War era in areas like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Africa. While PMCs do help with the military, they are unregulated, don’t follow the same restrictions, and are sometimes profit-driven. PMCs do raise concerns about human rights violations, threats to national sovereignty, and lack of accountability in case of incidents with many advocating for proper international control over the use and meaning of using them as a military resource.

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam recognizes the role of PMCs in national security and the threats they pose to sovereignty. As a nation that believes in sovereignty and non-interference, Vietnam is advocating for the establishment of a stronger global standard for PMC that ensures that international concerns are remembered and accordingly implemented. Vietnam believes in emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability to ensure that countries use PMCs responsibly and ethically. As a military resource used by other nations, Vietnam has no issue with its utilization, provided that a proper framework is established that can prevent human rights violations and complete oversight. Vietnam emphasizes the importance of ethical and transparent use to guarantee that further ambiguous use of PMCs as a loophole is avoided.

As a member of the United Nations, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam wishes the organization to set regulations regarding PMCs. Vietnam hopes for a framework that can set international regulations for PMCs that report and hold host countries accountable for all their actions while minimizing the reduction of national sovereignty. Additionally, Vietnam sees that the incorporation of PMCs as a sect of the host country’s military can avoid legal ambiguity and allow for proper accountability alongside national rules and regulations that are currently in place.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: China
Delegate Name: Ari Shtein

The United Nations is committed, above all else, to its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Developing countries will only be able to achieve modernization in line with the SDGs if they can maintain stable governance and construct a robust network of infrastructure. China acts as a global leader in achieving the SDGs—between spearheading infrastructure projects and defending government institutions in developing countries, its impact is difficult to overstate. Through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has invested in more than 150 countries (Curtis and Klaus) and its efforts are projected to raise global yearly GDP more than $7 trillion by 2040 (“Belt and Road Initiative to Boost World GDP”).

Unfortunately, initiatives like the BRI and UN projects in developing countries have repeatedly been threatened by unreliable governments and violent non-state actors (Saltskog and Clarke). In response, a growing number of private military and security companies (PMSCs) have been deployed, primarily in sub-saharan Africa and Southeast Asia (Honrada). Among these companies, the Chinese government wishes to clarify the difference between static security forces and military contractors (Weinbaum): the former are acceptable under Chinese law and must be at least partially state-owned. Importantly, they protect only a specific asset or project. Often, static security forces are totally unarmed and simply advise, train, and support local security forces against threats. Military contractors, by contrast, often act as destabilizing mercenary forces deployed to active combat zones, and serve to carry out a state’s strategic interest covertly, allowing them to maintain deniability and skirt accountability.

This distinction is key and must serve as the basis for any legal framework that wishes to govern PMSCs. While military contractors are often used for legitimate ends, their opacity and lack of accountability is highly concerning. The conduct and resolution of armed conflict is best left up to states and intergovernmental organizations like the UN. However, the protection of infrastructure projects and support for local authorities carried out by static security forces are vital to ensuring sustainable development, and must not be made inaccessible by overbearing regulation. PMSCs with partial state ownership and clear, protection-focused missions like the Hong Kong–based Frontier Services Group (FSG) tend to provide ethical, transparent, and efficient security solutions, and should receive sanction, even encouragement, from this committee.

Works Cited

“Belt and Road Initiative to Boost World GDP by over $7 Trillion per Annum by 2040.” CEBR, 27 May 2019, cebr.com/blogs/belt-and-road-initiative-to-boost-world-gdp-by-over-7-trillion-per-annum-by-2040/.
Curtis, Simon, and Ian Klaus. “The Belt and Road City: Geopolitics, Urbanization, and China’s Search for a New International Order.” JSTOR, Yale University Press, 2024, www.jstor.org/stable/jj.11589102.
Honrada, Gabriel. “China Private Security Companies Making a BRI Killing.” Asia Times, 1 Nov. 2022, asiatimes.com/2022/11/china-private-security-companies-making-a-bri-killing/.
Saltskog, Mollie, and Colin P. Clarke. “The Little-Known Security Gaps in China’s Belt and Road Initiative.” RAND Corporation, The National Interest, 18 Feb. 2019, www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2019/02/the-little-known-security-gaps-in-chinas-belt-and-road.html.
Weinbaum, Cortney. “China’s Security Contractors Have Avoided the Fate of Russia’s Military Contractors, so Far.” Rand.org, RealClearDefense, 11 Mar. 2022, www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2022/03/chinas-security-contractors-have-avoided-the-fate-of.html.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Canada
Delegate Name: Shep Bower

Private Military Contractors are defined as private companies that provide military services for financial gain. The United Nations (UN) has long struggled with the complexities of PMCs operating in global conflicts and peacekeeping missions. With the expansion of PMCs in the 1990s, the role of PMCs expanded to incorporate multiple services that the state militia typically carries out. The expansion of PMCs created multiple challenges for the UN, one being their legal obscurity, as PMCs lack transparency and liability procedures that are typical to state militias. The concern over PMCs led the UN to create The International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing, and Training of Mercenaries, an international treaty ratified by 46 states. Also in 2005, the UN established a working group on the use of mercenaries, which monitors the actions of mercenaries and PMCs.

In the 1990s and early 2000s Canada’s reliance on PMCs expanded like most other nations in the post-Cold War era, hiring these companies to keep peace in past conflicts like Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Somalia, and Haiti. Recently, The Canadian Federal government has pledged over 1 million dollars to hire PMCs, but Canada only currently employs PMCs to provide special training for the Canadian Special Forces, technical support, construction, and security. Canada maintains peace in all of its current operations through the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). While Canada has not ratified The International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing, and Training of Mercenaries, it has endorsed the Montreux Document, which outlines the legal obligations and best practices of PMCs. Canada also Supports other initiatives like The International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (ICoCA) which provides a voluntary set of standards for Private security companies.
Canada believes that the UN should not ban PMCs but focus on limiting PMCs by creating transparency and accountability measures for PMCs to ensure that they do not violate human rights.

To limit PMCs, Canada proposes a unified solution. First, Canada calls for the UN to create stronger and more legally binding frameworks that obligate PMCs to adhere to international law surrounding the ethicality of these PMCs. Second, Canada calls for the inclusion of mandatory reporting of PMCs by each country to ensure the transparency of PMCs. Third, Canada calls for PMCs to be held accountable for Human Rights violations by either establishing a new international tribunal or strengthening the jurisdiction of current international courts. Finally, Canada calls for PMCs to be primarily used for humanitarian aid, peacekeeping, and reconstruction efforts.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Katherine Risley

Japan recognizes the increasing prominence of Private Military Contractors (PMCs) since their creation in the 1990s. In addition to their rise in popularity, the role of PMCs has expanded greatly within recent conflicts, taking on responsibilities of security, logistics, and direct combat. Although Japan acknowledges the importance of PMCs in reducing the cost of warfare, Japan urges all members of the UN to understand the dangers posed by the unchecked role of PMCs within international conflicts. Japan maintains a strict stance on the significance of regulation of PMCs via the UN to prevent misuse and promote accountability.

Since the devastation of World War II, Japan has committed to advocating for global peace and security by renouncing war and use of military force as means of settling disputes in article 9 of Japan’s constitution. Instead, Japan prioritizes diplomatic solutions and humanitarian efforts, utilizing military force only in defensive operations. Japan believes that PMCs operating outside the oversight of international laws pose a significant threat to global security and human rights. While Japan understands that PMCs can provide security services and play helpful roles outside of direct combat operations, it firmly opposes their involvement in direct combat or any other actions that undermine the integrity of international law.

Japan believes that the best way to encourage appropriate and usage of PMCs by all nations is through bringing PMCs under international scrutiny. Japan thinks that within the DISEC committee, focus should be placed on creating a resolution that sets clear standards for the actions of PMCs, expanding on the ideas within the Montreux document, which outlines good practices for PMCs operating within conflict zones. By outlining strict regulations and promoting global cooperation and transparency, Japan believes that the UN can ensure PMCs contribute to peace and stability without exacerbating conflicts or violating human rights.

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/

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Ghana
Delegate Name: Sam Ogilvie

Delegate Name: Sam Ogilvie
Country: Ghana
Committee: DISEC
Topic: Private Military Contractors
Private military contractors most often operate in conflict zones or areas of instability. The origins of PMCs can be traced to the late 20th century, they have become key influences in global conflicts, especially during the 1990s and early 2000s. Their rise in popularity was driven by privatization trends and cost-cutting measures by governments. The increasing use of outsourced military services in conflicts has become an issue of ethical, legal, and security concerns.
Ghana has a very critical point of view around the use of PMCs, due to the concerns over sovereignty, legal control, and the potential destabilizing effects of private, unaccountable military forces. Ghana’s government structure is divided into three branches: Executive, legislative, and judicial. PMCs can be seen to undermine state sovereignty due to their private operation and not being controlled or part of the government. Accountability, transparency, separation of powers, and sovereignty of national security all become issues between private sectors and government officials contradicting democratic principles. Since PMCs operate outside of state-controlled military organizations like the Ghana Armed Forces, or the Ghana National Police Force, the government does not have full control and surveillance. The privately contracted PMCs might have contradicting military goals within the state’s borders. Which would be a violation of Ghana’s sovereignty for national security.
Ghana has implemented legislation such as the Arms and Ammunition Act, of 1972 which Controls the importation and use of firearms, ensuring PMCs follow strict licensing rules. As well as the Private Security Organizations Law, of 1986, the National Security Act, of 1999, and the Mercenary Act, of 2006. Additionally, Ghana collaborated with the United Nations at the UN Mercenary Convention to work Against the Recruitment, Use, Financing, and Training of Mercenaries in 1989. Ghana has also been a supporter of UN Peacekeeping Principles.
To proceed with the issue of PMC’s Ghana plans to Tightening Regulations on Private Security Firms. This way the government can oversee the PMCs and ensure they are not undermining human rights. Ghana is also planning to use PMCs for specialized roles such as training, logistical support, and peacekeeping operations rather than for direct combat.
Ghana does not want to completely get rid of the use of PMCs but rather have a supervised and controlled environment for them to operate. This way Ghana will maximize security and peace while keeping PMCs from violating human rights.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Belarus
Delegate Name: Wilson McEvoy

The Republic of Belarus
Wilson McEvoy
DISEC
Private Military Contractors

The Republic of Belarus believes that Private Military Contractors (PMCs) are essential for many nations, and as such do not require any regulations or restrictions from the Model United Nations. Belarus has contracted PMCs in the past and currently works with some to bolster its national security. The Wagner group was a Russian-backed PMC for many years, and was important for protecting Russian interests, both domestically and abroad. The Belarussian government currently works with Gardservis, a PMC made up of former members of the Wagner group and is currently providing logistical support and training Belarussian soldiers. Like many countries across the globe, Belarus benefits from PMCs.

While it is true that PMCs may pose a threat to international security, the benefits outweigh the risks. The Wagner groups mutiny against the Russian government in 2023 was a worrying development, but because of the Belarussians government deal, the coup was stopped, and the Wagner group was able to aid Belarus with its military experience. Despite the threats posed by PMCs, they provide invaluable support to many countries and should not be outlawed.

References
“What Is Russia’s Wagner Group, and What Has Happened to Its Leader?” BBC News, BBC, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bbc.com/news/world-60947877.
Harhalyk, Tatsiana. “What Are Wagner Group Mercenaries Still Doing in Belarus? – DW – 01/25/2024.” Dw.Com, Deutsche Welle, 26 Jan. 2024, www.dw.com/en/what-are-wagner-group-mercenaries-still-doing-in-belarus/a-68077456.
desk, The Kyiv Independent news. “Opposition: Belarus May Have Created Wagner-like Private Military Company.” The Kyiv Independent, The Kyiv Independent, 11 Jan. 2023, kyivindependent.com/opposition-belarus-may-have-created-wagner-like-private-military-company/.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: India
Delegate Name: Anish Kulkarni

The Republic of India recognizes the increasing global reliance on private military contractors (PMC’s) and the multifaceted challenges they present. While PMC’s can provide logistical support and specialized services, their growing involvement in active combat, humanitarian missions, and state security undermines accountability, sovereignty, and international stability. The Republic of India emphasizes the importance for clear regulatory frameworks to monitor PMC activities, resulting in the prevention of abuse and the maintenance of the primacy of a sovereign state’s control over the use of force.

As a nation with a history of non-alignment and peacekeeping under the United Nations, India views the unchecked proliferation of PMCs as a challenge to global governance and the rule of law. While PMCs serve logistical and non-combat roles, their involvement in active conflict often exacerbates instability. India has seen firsthand the dangers of unregulated private actors in conflict zones. For instance, after a power vacuum was created in a neighboring nation, destabilizing our region. This directly impacted our security, particularly in the context of cross-border terrorism and regional instability in South Asia. Additionally, We still remain concerned about the misuse of PMCs in areas such as the Indian Ocean, where maritime security is critical to its economic and strategic interests.

While the Republic of India does not employ PMCs for combat operations, we acknowledge their limited utility in areas such as infrastructure security, disaster response, and logistical support. However, India ensures strict regulation of such entities within its borders and advocates for similar practices globally. As a responsible member of the international community, India adheres to international humanitarian law and rejects the use of PMCs in roles that undermine state sovereignty or contribute to human suffering.

Therefore the Republic of India proposes the following solutions to address the PMC’s. Firstly, we must create a binding International Framework. We recommend that the UN creates a comprehensive legal framework to regulate PMC operations to ensure accountability and transparency. Secondly, we urge that international communities prohibit PMCs to engage in offensive military operations. Thirdly, India proposes that conflict-prone areas have regional and international agreements to monitor and regulate PMC activities in alignment with international law.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Poland
Delegate Name: Matthew Chrostowski

Poland underlines that the activity of PMC has to be regulated under strict legal frameworks, ensuring accountability, transparency, and conformity with international law. In this regard, Poland encourages not only national laws but also international treaties like the Montreux Document and the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers. Such laws should guide PMC activities, especially in conflict areas, to avoid abuse and make sure their operations are verifiable with humanitarian law standards and respect for human rights.

It is due to misuse in conflict zones that Poland calls for strict international regulation and oversight. PMCs must be barred from committing crimes such as torture and from destabilizing governments. The international community, particularly the United Nations and NATO, should enforce these rules and ensure that PMCs only perform legitimate security functions. Poland supports enhanced mechanisms of enforcement, including the role of the International Criminal Court in holding contractors accountable for violations of international law, as a means of ensuring that PMCs operate within established legal boundaries.

A humanitarian mission can deploy PMCs only for specific tasks, such as the protection of aid workers and/or infrastructure. Poland’s view is that, PMCs should not be directly involved in carrying out aid delivery due to the risk of militarizing humanitarian efforts. Humanitarian aid has to remain neutral, non-partisan, and be exclusively intended for alleviating suffering. Strong control over the involvement of PMCs should be developed to prevent the risk of a distorted perception of using aid for political or military purposes, which can undermine the legitimacy of the mission.

Poland maintains that PMC involvement should be balanced in conflict zones as well as in humanitarian missions. It is only through compliance with international law, severe control, and observance of the division between military and humanitarian functions that the international community will be able to prevent abuses and preserve humanitarian work from distortion. Poland’s position reflects its commitment to security, human rights, and ethical standards in the use of PMCs.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: United States of America
Delegate Name: Christina Merikas

From training armies and clearing minefields to protecting government officials, the USA is in favor of using Private Military Contractors (PMCs) to aid nations. Benefits include more efficient deployment, security contractors can be fired and hired, meaning that they can change to environments around the world easier, and local nationals hired by PMCs have knowledge about the site. Without PMCs (or Private Security Contractors), government officials agree that the DOD (Department of Defense) and the Department of State would have had an unfortunate outcome in Afghanistan and Iraq. The USA’s most publicized PMC was deployed in Iraq in 2003 – Blackwater. In their time in Iraq, they protected US Embassy members, trained the Iraqi army, and supported Iraq’s armed forces. By 2006, Blackwater was one of the PMCs with a contract for diplomatic security in Iraq. Aside from Iraq, they aided the USA in this time, as well. They sent troops and a helicopter during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Even so, scandal hit Blackwater. On September 16, 2007, Blackwater troops killed innocent Iraqi citizens in Nisour Square, in Iraq. Due to the fact that Blackwater was a private company, little was known about it. Main concerns included legality, cost (contracts reaching up to 488 million dollars and more), and lack of transparency. There is no law detailing what PMCs can and cannot do. Since they are not part of the official US Military, there are legal restrictions in the scenario where they have committed an offense. It becomes harder to prosecute members of PMCs and carry out a complete investigation.
Currently, the Department of Defense does not have any private military contractors deployed anywhere in the world. However, there is a chance that the US may utilize this resource in the Ukraine-Russia conflict to aid the Ukrainian military. With Ukraine at a current disadvantage, the US wants to support the Ukrainian military in any way it can. While there are no laws that prohibit the use of PMCs in the USA, the closest law that fits this category is the Neutrality Act.
Certain rules and treaties must be put in place to ensure the safety of all citizens. It is vital that additional information about the whereabouts of PMCs, as well as more transparency regarding their actions and violations of international law. PMCs should be given further research and supervision. The international community can prevent the misuse of PMCs in conflict zones by having resources to report unlawful behavior to the home country of the PMC, making harmful behavior known to officials. Additionally, transparency is key – having consequences for those who have committed violations will improve misuse, instead of ignoring PMCs. The role PMCs should play in humanitarian missions is aid. The focus should not be forcing external nations to rely on another country for their military. Rather, the focus should be on training official militaries and saving innocent civilians from harm. Their involvement can be balanced with the need for non-militarized aid delivery through partnership. These two kinds of organizations go hand-in-hand.

Sources
The Department of Defense’s Use of Private Security …, crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R40835. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
Finucane, Brian. “The Prohibition on Indiscriminate Attacks: The US Position vs. the DOD Law of War Manual.” Just Security, 14 July 2022, www.justsecurity.org/81351/the-prohibition-on-indiscriminate-attacks-the-us-position-vs-the-dod-law-of-war-manual/.
“How We Help.” Canadian Red Cross, www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/international-humanitarian-law/what-is-international-humanitarian-law/weapons-and-international-humanitarian-law#:~:text=Weapons%20must%20be%20 able%20to,be%20controlled%2C%20it%20is%20indiscriminate. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Mid, mid.ru/en_GB/foreign_policy/international_safety/regprla/-/asset_publisher/YCxLFJnKuD1W/content/id/2116079/pop_up?_101_INSTANCE_YCxLFJnKuD1W_qrIndex=0&_101_INSTANCE_YCxLFJnKuD1W_viewMode=tv. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
“Napalm.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., www.britannica.com/science/napalm. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
“An Overdue Review: Addressing Incendiary Weapons in the Contemporary Context.” Human Rights Watch, 7 July 2021, www.hrw.org/news/2017/11/20/overdue-review-addressing-incendiary-weapons-contemporary-context.
“Private Military Companies: Blackwater.” Silent Professionals, 19 Sept. 2024, silentprofessionals.org/blackwater/.
“Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949.” United Nations, United Nations, legal.un.org/avl/ha/pagc/pagc.html. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
“Soldiers of Fortune: Why U.S. Mercenaries Should Not Be Legal.” War on the Rocks, 26 Aug. 2021, warontherocks.com/2021/08/soldiers-of-fortune-why-u-s-mercenaries-should-not-be-legal/.
U.S.-Made Weapons Used by Government of Israel in Violation of International Law and U.S Law | Amnesty International USA, www.amnestyusa.org/press-releases/u-s-made-weapons-used-by-government-of-israel-in-violation-of-international-law-and-u-s-law/. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
“United States Considers Deployment of Its Military Contractors to Ukraine: Insights: Mayer Brown.” Insights | Mayer Brown, 23 July 2024, www.mayerbrown.com/en/insights/publications/2024/07/united-states-considers-deployment-of-its-military-contractors-to-ukraine.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Brazil
Delegate Name: Matthew Keith

Delegate Name: Matthew Keith
Country: Brazil
Committee: DISEC
Topic: Private Military Contractors

Private Military Contractors (PMCs) are stand-alone entities, separate from the government, that are usually hired to engage in various types of warfare. PMCs are sought-after assets by governments as they can substantially lower the cost of warfare while also allowing a government to influence a war without directly getting involved. Effectively making PMCs a grey area, as while they mitigate the cost of war, they allow countries to be secretive about their intentions in a conflict. As well as put foreign entities in a conflict they have no care for besides the check it comes with.

The Federative Republic of Brazil recognizes the importance of restrictions on PMCs. Brazil’s federal constitution mandates that all military be controlled by the government to ensure accountability and align with the interests of other countries. PMCs are forbidden within the borders of Brazil. Brazil also follows the framework of the Montreux Document, a multinational agreement guiding the regulation of PMCs as well as making sure they apply to humanitarian laws.

Brazil acknowledges the importance of preventing the misuse of PMCs in conflict zones. Brazil strongly believes in the monopoly of war, and that each country should be responsible for their war effort. Brazil also is actively advocating in the UN for stricter national regulation on PMCs and believes it is an important step in the prevention of human rights violations through the use of PMCs. As a key player in Latin America, Brazil is working closely with its neighbors to prevent the misuse of PMCs and encourages them to resist the use of PMCs in their conflicts, as the external usage of a PMC can threaten national security.

Brazil disagrees with the use of PMCs in humanitarian aid. In the need of the military for peacekeeping, Brazil works closely with the UN to ensure public control, making there no need for PMCs. Brazil believes aid should be carried out by state agencies and NGOs, not by the use of military might. The only instance a PMC could be of use is to help through their information network, not boots on the ground.

Bibliography
https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780199743292/obo-9780199743292-0209.xml
https://www.icrc.org/en/document/ihl-and-private-military-security-companies-faq
https://www.montreuxdocument.org/about/montreux-document.html

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Delegate Name: Nova Wilson

Committee: Disarmament and International Security Committee
Topic: Private Military Contractors
Country: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
School: Forest Hills Central High School

In recent years, the presence of private military contractors has been constantly increasing. According to the United Nations Human Rights Working Group on Mercenarism and Private Military and Security Companies (PMCs) are, “a corporate entity which provides on a compensatory basis military and/or security services by physical persons and/or legal entities.” They went on to further define military services as, “specialized services related to military actions including strategic planning, intelligence, investigation, land, sea or air reconnaissance, flight operations of any type, manned or unmanned, satellite surveillance, any kind of knowledge transfer with military applications, material and technical support to armed forces and other related activities.” They elaborate on security services as: “armed guarding or protection of buildings, installations, property and people, any kind of knowledge transfer with security and policing applications, development and implementation of informational security measures and other related activities”. This usage of private military contractors has always been present as mercenaries have always been present in both local and global conflicts. The uptick of PMCs in their current capacity began during the Cold War. The very first use of PMCs originated from a group named Watchguard International in the Middle East. Following the Cold War, there was a rise in the use of PMCs as there was a newfound concentration of military specialists and equipment as they were no longer necessary for the war effort. Many small wars in Africa were fought, and many of them involved the newly available PMCs. Coming off of the post-Cold War era, the presence of PMCs has not vanished as they are now present in the majority of modern conflicts. They can sway the tides of a conflict in one way or another but are not necessarily a negative presence as they can also provide humanitarian aid in and out of conflict zones.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea remains neutral on the usage of PMCs but believes in opening discourse and keeping the interests of all countries in mind. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea urges the delegates of this community to fully weigh the role of PMCs and the legal frameworks around them on the global stage as we face what the future may hold.

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.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Egypt
Delegate Name: Ava Chapman

Private Military Contractors (PMCs) are independent organizations that provide military services like security, logistics, and combat assistance. These contractors are becoming more prominent in contemporary warfare, particularly in countries facing instability, internal strife, or external dangers. Private Military Companies impact national sovereignty, security, and international law in regions experiencing conflict. Egypt, situated in a tumultuous region, is focused on managing and using PMCs responsibly, promoting a fair approach to their use. Egypt may not rely on PMCs, however, there is an increasing trend of these companies in the Middle East and North Africa. The use of PMCs raises concerns regarding accountability, legality, and human rights due to their autonomy from traditional state military structures, presenting difficulties in enforcing responsibility for violations of international law or human rights abuses. In conflict zones, PMCs can make it harder to hold accountable those responsible for protecting civilians, leading to more unrest and suffering for non-combatants.
Rules need to be enforced to guarantee that PMCs follow international regulations and honor the sovereignty of states. PMCs should be held accountable for their actions, especially if they are implicated in violations of human rights or acts of war. Egypt stresses the importance of clear supervisory measures to avoid PMCs operating with impunity, and reaffirms the importance of national sovereignty by asserting that foreign PMCs should not undermine the authority or credibility of domestic governments. It is believed that foreign nations should not allow the utilization of PMCs to interfere with the political or military autonomy of host countries, which was evident in conflicts in Libya and Syria when external forces utilized PMCs for their own interests. The Egyptian representatives stress the significance of private military companies complying with international human rights regulations. The delegation believes that these companies, despite their private status, should still be held accountable for the legal and ethical obligations expected of traditional military forces. Egypt supports international cooperation to create regulatory bodies that monitor the activities of private military firms. These organizations need to ensure that contractors adhere to strict guidelines, comply with legal regulations, and avoid engaging in illegal activities such as smuggling or profiting from conflict situations.
Some possible options include the establishment of a global regulatory entity, implementing a set of rules for private military companies, collaborating on a regional level, and advocating for different approaches. An international regulatory body would supervise contracts, oversee operations, and guarantee that PMCs are following international law. Establishing a code of conduct would establish guidelines for how PMCs recruit, train, and carry out their operations, guaranteeing compliance with human rights and national sovereignty. This code would also necessitate PMCs to protect civilian populations and refrain from participating in illegal activities. Regional cooperation involves countries collaborating to establish agreements regarding the oversight of PMCs operating within their territories, with the goal of preventing them from causing regional instability or impeding peace efforts. Encouraging alternative approaches incentivizes the global community to prioritize diplomatic and peaceful resolutions to conflicts, ultimately decreasing the dependence on military contractors.
In conclusion, Egypt’s delegation emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced approach when utilizing Private Military Contractors in areas of conflict. Although Egypt acknowledges that PMCs may have valid uses in some instances, it is essential to tightly regulate their utilization to prevent misconduct, uphold human rights, and safeguard state sovereignty. Egypt is dedicated to collaborating with fellow member states to establish efficient ways to monitor and control PMCs, guaranteeing that their activities promote peace and stability instead of exacerbating conflicts.

Works Cited
How Private Military Companies Embolden Conflict with Impunity from the Middle East to Central Africa
https://www.jtl.columbia.edu/bulletin-blog/an-obligation-to-regulate-how-private-military-companies-embolden-conflict-with-impunity-from-the-middle-east-to-central-africa
Egypt’s Military Companies
https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2020/04/will-egypts-military-companies-float?lang=en&center=middle-east
Egypt’s Expanding Military Economy
https://carnegieendowment.org/sada/2020/03/egypts-expanding-military-economy?lang=en

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Estonia
Delegate Name: Sarath Badithala

Disarmament and International Security Committee
Private Military Contractors
The Republic of Estonia
Sarath Badithala
Forest Hills Eastern High School

Private Military Contractors (PMCs) have become integral to modern warfare, especially in conflict zones like Iran and Afghanistan, providing security, logistical support, and direct combat roles. While their presence addresses gaps in military capacity, concerns arise regarding accountability, human rights violations, and the erosion of state sovereignty. The risks associated with private security operations are exhibited by incidents such as the 2004 Blackwater shootings in Iraq, highlighting the difficulty in holding these companies accountable since they often operate outside national legal frameworks. Organizations like the UN Working Group on Mercenaries and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) are actively working to regulate and ensure ethical conduct within the industry, promoting standards such as ISO 18788. The United Nations advocates for stronger regulations, as seen in the Mercenary Convention of 1989, while countries like Germany are investing efforts to ensure PMCs comply with international law. The ongoing proliferation of these contractors threatens global peace and security, prompting calls for greater accountability and stricter oversight from international organizations.

The Republic of Estonia acknowledges the role of private military contractors (PMCs) in specific military operations while emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to international law. While maintaining a strong defense system and not heavily relying on PMCs, Estonia ensures that any involvement of private contractors is strictly regulated. As an active member of NATO, the EU, and the UN, Estonia supports initiatives to establish global standards for PMC use to prevent human rights abuses and ensure operational oversight. The country participates in discussions regarding PMC regulation, advocating for stronger legal frameworks that safeguard international peace and security. Estonia is committed to state control over military operations and collaborates with global partners to address PMC-related challenges. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of aligning private contractors’ actions with democratic values, ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law, and contributing to stability in conflict zones. Through these efforts, Estonia upholds international norms and promotes effective global regulations on the use of private military forces.

As a member of the United Nations, the Republic of Estonia strongly urges the organization to take decisive action regarding Private Military Contractors (PMCs). Estonia recommends the development of a set of laws and guidelines to limit the use of PMCs, along with the enforcement of strict regulations to ensure their accountability for actions taken. Furthermore, PMCs should be required to compensate for any civilian damage they cause, thereby minimizing their impact on innocent lives. The Republic of Estonia is committed to achieving these objectives and holding PMCs accountable for their actions.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Austria
Delegate Name: Jaclyn Charbauski

Committee: Disarmament & International Security
Topic: Private Military Contractors
Country: Federal Republic of Austria
Delegate Name: Jaclyn Charbauski
School: Forest Hills Northern

It’s understandable for a country to want the strongest military to defend itself, but does that extend to paying companies for these services when they could be untrustworthy and dishonorable? Private military contractors(PMCs), independent corporations that offer military services to national governments, date back to the Middle Ages but were looked down on and restricted for an extended period. However, in 1980, during the Cold War, they gained popularity. They began to be used for many different tasks including logistics, infrastructure management, combat service support, consulting, and, in some cases, covert operations. Since then, the usage of private military contractors increased, and today more than 150 companies offer their services in over 50 countries. Minimal actions have been taken to address this issue. In 2006, the Montreux Document, which detailed that international law applies to private military and security companies, was signed and ratified. Private military contractors were then discussed by the United Nations in 2018, at the 39th and 40th meetings of the General Assembly. Here, it was said that “Private military and security companies, like mercenaries, can threaten the enjoyment of human rights, as some of their personnel are involved in violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws” meaning that, in recent times, the hiring of these services has been criticized once again.

The Federal Republic of Austria recognizes that there is no current policy on private military contractors in our country, and plans to abstain from their use. From our perspective, these operations can be deceitful and unsafe, because they are much like mercenary missions, which are illegal, according to the United Nations Mercenary Convention. In battle, loyalty may shift as a result of their want for financial gain, legality is not assured, and after the war, what is to happen to the personnel and weapons they own? Not to mention, PMC employees can be quite expensive, ranging from $400-1000 a day. Overall, Austria has thus far provided a positive example in which we have not fallen into the trend of contracting private military companies for core government functions.

However, Austria understands the benefits of PMCs, with their high-tech skills and far reach. Therefore, Austria asks of United Nations to promote a policy that allows for the use of PMCs, but limits them only to peacekeeping operations, to take care of global security and safety. Additionally, this policy would require every PMC to be registered and recognized, to better keep track of their motions. Austria feels this is the best solution because it allows for the use of these impressive services, but limits them so that they aren’t doing harm in this world. Austria acknowledges the need for a policy in our country as well and is ready to work toward this safer world.

Works Cited

United Nations Audiovisual Library of International Law. “International Convention Against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries.” 2020. legal.un.org/avl/ha/icruftm/icruftm.html
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). “The Montreux Document.” 2023. www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/fdfa/foreign-policy/international-law/international-humanitarian-law/private-military-security-companies/montreux-document.html
The Warsaw Institute. “The Awakening of Private Military Companies.” 20 Aug. 2020. warsawinstitute.org/awakening-private-military-companies/
Berkeley Political Review. “Soldiers of Fortune: The Rise of Private Military Companies and Their Consequences on America’s Wars.” 25 Oct. 2017. bpr.studentorg.berkeley.edu/2017/10/25/soldiers-of-fortune-the-rise-of-private-military-companies-and-their-consequences-on-americas-wars/
The World from PRX. “Eastern Europe’s Private Armies.” 2 Aug. 2016. theworld.org/stories/2016/08/02/eastern-europes-private-armies
Encyclopedia Britannica. “Private Military Company (PMC).” 2 Nov. 2016. www.britannica.com/topic/private-military-firm

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.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Dominik Barrett

A PMC is a Private Military Contractor who can be hired by governments or private businesses to defend their country, property, or interests. Unfortunately, The Philippines has used PMCs in the past because they needed protection for their properties and real important people in the country. As the delegate from the Philippines, we support the use of private military contractors (PMCs) in some resorts. That is why we believe there needs to be more specific legal frameworks relating to this. According to Vincent Kyle Paranda from the Office of Naval Strategic Studies the men who assassinated provincial governor Roel Degamo were part of the official military and they were outraged so they joined a PMC and killed Degamo. We think that PMCs are great in some situations such as humanitarian aid but could be seen as a threat when they are intended there to help with natural disaster relief. Based on that we call upon the United Nations to put together a UN policy that outlaws the ability for governments to use or hire PMCs as this would be dangerous to their government and unfair to their allies or enemies. We also call upon the UN to create policy that eliminates the ability for private citizens or entities to use PMCs as it could endanger citizens. Finally, The Philippines will be most favorable to PMCs if they are to be used by NGOs to provide humanitarian aid in difficult terrains.

For humanitarian needs and natural disasters, the Philippines understands when these disasters occur and they bring in PMC’s, the people of the Nation(s) are hesitant to accept their help because of the vehicles they use are looking like a real threat instead of help. We think there are only three options to fix this, (1) the PMC’s Put a symbol on their vehicles to specify they are there to help (2) they make their help vehicles a different color to indicate they are there to help and (3) just use armored vehicles instead of armed vehicles so they can cross the difficult terrain to reach populations in need. With that said we call upon the United Nations to consider creating a policy with those standards above.

The Philippines look forward to working with like-minded countries who are learning from their mistakes so that we can encourage other UN members to join us in banning the use of PMCs as a military option. However, it will important for countries in committee to address the reason why PMCs have been used in the past. By doing so, we will hopefully get rid of the need for people or countries to want them. As a result, The Philippines looks forward to discussing ways in which governments can work with their citizens to rebuild trust through representation in their laws.

Sources Used
Britannica.com. “The Philippines.” Https://Www.Britannica.Com/Place/Philippines, Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/place/Philippines. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
“Politics, Power and Private Armed Groups in the Philippines.” East Asia Forum, 14 Apr. 2023,eastasiaforum.org/2023/04/14/politics-power-and-private-armed-groups-in-the-philippines/.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Colombia
Delegate Name: Brody McDonald

Private military contractors PMCS are private companies or organizations that provide military services to governments, corporations, and other entities; the services include security, logistics, training, intelligence, and even combat operations. (PMCs) have become increasingly prominent in modern conflict zones due to their flexibility, expertise, and ability to operate without the same political and legal constraints as regular military forces.

Colombia’s history of private military contractors (PMCs) is deeply intertwined with the decades-long internal conflict, particularly the war on drugs in serenity struggles. PMCs were instrumental during the height of the violence, especially under Plan Colombia. Plan Colombia was a U.S.-backed plan that was set in the year 2000. This plan was put in place to reduce the production and trafficking of illicit drugs; another critical aspect of Plan Colombia is to strengthen Colombia’s military and law enforcement. However, PMCs’ role has become more controversial due to human rights abuses, paramilitary links, and lack of accountability. As Columbia transitions into a post-conflict environment, PMCs will likely remain involved in security and risk management but face ongoing scrutiny regarding their operation and ethics.

Colombia’s current approach is more cautious and regulated. It is transitioning to a post-conflict environment and growing its focus on regulation and accountability in human rights. While PMCs remain active, their role has evolved from being heavily involved in combat and anti-insurgent operations to providing security services, training, and risk management. With this transition of PMCs and Colombia, they will now operate in a regulated environment closely aligned with the international legal frameworks. This shift shows Colombia’s efforts and effects to stabilize the environment that the people of Colombia live in, and these legal frameworks will also help rebuild trust.

Colombia now wants to focus on providing security services and risk management training, reflecting a more cautious and regulated approach to PMCs. The people of Colombia are hesitant about these PMCs not working within the bounds of international law and human rights standards, even though the government or private entities buying them are buying them for the safety of the future. As the country of Colombia, we need other countries that are trying to shift their point of view on PMCs from using them in war conflicts to now using them for educational purposes. Having PMCs be used for an educational aspect is a great way to keep people agile for when war conflicts do happen but also it helps the country not always look like they are on the offensive.

Work Cited
Amentum. Amentum. Amentum, 2024, www.amentum.com Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.
“Colombia.” Crisis Group, International Crisis Group, 18 Nov. 2024.

“Q&A: Private Military Contractors and the Law.” Human Rights Watch, 5 May 2004,
Transparency International. Transparency International, 2024, www.transparency.org/en/ Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

www.crisisgroup.org/latin-america-caribbean/andes/colombia Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

www.hrw.org/news/2004/05/05/qa-private-military-contractors-and-law Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Albania
Delegate Name: Julia Malone

Julia Malone
Submitted To: DISEC
From: Albania
Subject: Private Military Contractors

Private Military Contractors (PMCs) are private companies that offer a wide range of military and security services, from combat operation and logistical support to training. Since the 1990s, their services have become sought after to an unprecedented degree in conflict zones where states outsource military responsibilities. Even though PMCs offer operational flexibility and cost-effectiveness, the challenges of accountability, sovereignty, and adherence to international law are concerns related to the use of PMCs.
Albanian authorities acknowledge the increasing role of PMCs within international security operations and the possible benefits that may accrue because of their intervention. Additionally, the Government of Albania is aware of the risks associated with PMCs, such as human rights violations, lack of transparency, and interference in sovereign affairs. Albania believes that the use of PMCs needs to be seriously regulated in a manner that aligns with international norms and respects the sovereignty of states where private military companies operate.

Historically, Albania has been very cautious about privatized military and security services. While not directly employing PMCs in our military strategy, Albania has supported international efforts to establish legal frameworks for their operations. In 2011, Albania signed the Montreux Document, a key international agreement laying out best practices and legal obligations for states on the use of PMCs. This endorsement reflects the commitment undertaken by Albania to ensure that PMCs operate within legal boundaries and show respect for human rights.

However, Albania is worried that all these efforts are not backed by accountability mechanisms. There have been various cases where PMCs have been accused of abuses, including the 2007 Nisour Square massacre in Iraq, in which the contractors from Blackwater took part. Such incidents demonstrate the urgent requirement to reinforce mechanisms of oversight and enforcement. Albania believes that in the absence of such mechanisms, the PMCs will certainly be used as instruments of private interests rather than instruments of legitimate security.

Under the UN, Albania has sought broader regulation on PMCs by the creation of binding international treaties regarding their legal status, accountability, and limits on their operations. Albania also proffers a global registry for PMCs as an effort toward transparency and monitoring by international bodies.

Albania would like to fill the gap in existing legislation governing the actions of PMCs through this committee. We would look favorably upon establishing an independent international oversight body tasked with monitoring PMC operations and investigating allegations of misconduct. Albania also advocates for stricter licensing requirements for PMCs, ensuring they are held to the same standards as state militaries. Albania looks forward to engaging in productive discussions and working with other delegations to develop practical solutions for the responsible use of PMCs in international security operations.

Works Cited
Montreux Document. “On Pertinent International Legal Obligations and Good Practices for States Related to Operations of Private Military and Security Companies During Armed Conflict.” International Committee of the Red Cross, 17 Sept. 2008.
Human Rights Watch. “Private Military Contractors and Accountability.” Human Rights Watch, 2007, https://www.hrw.org.
Percy, Sarah. Regulating the Private Security Industry: A Review of the Montreux Document and Related Initiatives. Oxford University Press, 2012.
Singer, P.W. Corporate Warriors: The Rise of the Privatized Military Industry. Cornell University Press, 2004.
United Nations. “Albania Statement on Private Military Contractors – Sixth Committee (Legal) — 77th Session.” United Nations, Oct. 2022.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Switzerland
Delegate Name: Jathniel Malalay

In recent decades, the problem of the use of Private Military Contractors (PMCs) has become
an increasingly controversial aspect of modern warfare. Governments worldwide increasingly
use PMCs to reduce military costs and avoid direct involvement in combat. Although some
suggest that these contractors provide efficiency for military operations, they may pose dangers
if it is not overseer properly, which is why it must be heavily regulated to ensure the protection of
international human rights law.
Switzerland has made its clear and strong stance against PMCs, we want to end the
involvement of PMCs or at least heavily regulate their actions in armed conflicts on foreign soil
and to require that companies that provide security services, logistical support, or personal
protection obtain authorization to operate in crisis or conflict zones. PMCs should be subjected
to legal frameworks, such as international humanitarian law (IHL), international human rights
law (IHRL), and national legislation before claiming they work in a legal vacuum. Heavy
precautions such as strengthening legal frameworks, and enhancing accountability mechanisms
should be put in place by the International community to prevent the misuse of PMCs in conflict
zones.
Therefore, we in Switzerland urge the General Assembly of the United Nations to pursue a more
strict and heavily regulated approach regarding PMCs, as it is too heavy of a risk to have these
companies roam into conflict zones when there are no precautions in place. They should be
bound to legal frameworks and be overseer properly to ensure the protection of international
humanitarian law.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Peru
Delegate Name: Thien Truong-Phan

Delegate: Thien Truong-Phan
School:Williamston
Country: Peru
Committee: DISEC
Topic: Private Military Contractors

Private military contractors (PMCs) have become a major piece in modern warfare. PMCs are often very specialized operators and fill necessary gaps for states and organizations during times of conflict. They are very flexible in terms of their work. PMCs take up many different jobs and tasks, providing security, military, or logistical support. At the end of the day, however, PMCs raise many ethical concerns. PMCs are in it for business. This means that the main focus of these contractors is the money. PMCs as an industry is valued at $200 billion annually. Additionally, PMCs operate with very minimal oversight and accountability compared to national forces, which leads to ethical concerns involving violations of human rights.

Peru views PMCs with caution due to their potential to undermine global peace and security. As a nation committed to international law and human rights, Peru advocates for a balanced approach that acknowledges the operational benefits of PMCs while addressing their risks. Peru’s history of addressing internal conflicts, including lessons from combating insurgent groups, informs its stance on transparency and accountability in conflict zones. Peru believes that this topic is multifaceted and ambiguous at times, which will lead to a complex solution. Peru believes that there could be multiple ways of tackling this issue, such as focusing on establishing more robust legal frameworks that would better define what PMCs are capable of doing. Peru also sees that holding PMCs accountable for their actions is necessary for a complete solution to this issue.

Peru calls on all delegates to prioritize the regulation of PMCs to ensure the betterment of society as a whole. By addressing legal ambiguities, enhancing accountability, and promoting ethical practices, the international community can mitigate the risks associated with PMCs while increasing their potential usefulness. Increasing/creating legal frameworks to define the boundaries of PMCs would be beneficial for all. Transparency between PMCs and the parties that make the contracts would also ensure less violations of human rights. The most important thing though, is regional cooperation and communication between countries to prevent misunderstandings and promote a better society for all. Through collaborative action, we can ensure PMCs become instruments of stability and justice. Peru reaffirms its commitment to working with all nations to advance these goals.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Republic of Korea
Delegate Name: Juliet Guenther

Delegate: Juliet Guenther
Country: Republic of Korea
Topic: Private Military Contractors

Private Military Contractors (PMC) are a very unreliable and unaccountable military force. While countries have been able to use mercenaries since the middle ages, the modern era has shown how they are a serious liability. Nations have become too attached to their PMC’s but the PMC’s are attached by monetary interest. By continuing to use PMCs, nations are at risk of having their mercenaries lose loyalty and rebel. This has happened countless times, especially in developing nations. However, last year this same type of rebellion occurred against Russia when Wagner attempted a military coup. A very strong nation that is no longer at their peak, but still nothing to scoff at should not be facing these issues. These problems show why we need to address this issue. This is because if not
even the employers of PMCs can control the organization, then there is a serious dilemma here.
The Republic of Korea has had a long history of allyship with the United States, the end of the second World War allowed for Korea’s independence. In this allyship there is a strong dependence on the United States and other allies for military support due to Korea’s need to defend themself from regional conflict. This has created a strong dependency on the United States for military support. While recently Korea has begun to become more and more independant there is still a sense of dependance and agreement with United States geopolitical stances. That being said, the Republic of Korea has started to move towards the privatization of Korea’s military since 2009. Recognizing that alone and the strong relationship with the United States, it is clear that Korea holds a very similar position to the United States, and will give them support.
The Republic of Korea will continue to support their strong allies. These allies include but are not limited to the United States, as well as many members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The Republic of Korea will resist efforts to add bureaucracy to PMCs. However, this does not mean that Korea will resist holding those who hire PMCs and the PMC themself accountable for violations of human rights but rather support such efforts. The Republic of Korea will promote a better distinction between domestic and international uses of PMCs as internal security should not be stopped unless there is a concern of human rights. That is the plan for the Republic of Korea at the Disarmament & International Security Committee

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Ireland
Delegate Name: Alexander McBride

Country: Ireland
Committee: DISEC
Topic: Private Military Contractors
Delegate: Alex McBride
School: Williamston High School

Private Military Contractors, or PMC’s, provide combat or protection forces, military equipment like helicopters and tanks. They can just provide a small training exercise, for a combat division made up of skilled soldiers. PMC’s aren’t new, for example the East India Company provided PMC resources during the 18th and 19th centuries. PMC’s became more prevalent after the Cold War ended, as the market had an influx of specialized personal and military equipment. The United Nation Mercenary Convention banned the use of mercenaries in armed conflict. PMC’s provide mercenary services, but the UNMC refused the idea that PMC’s are Mercenaries. PMC’s are hard to distinguish from nation or state military forces. As a result countries can continue criminal warfare and blame the PMC’s. PMC’s, especially the one in africa have been charged for human right violations. PMCs like Wagner have been accused of War Crimes, Human Rights Violations, undermining the sovereignty of nations, especially developing countries, by exploiting resources and further destabilizing these countries.
The EU has expressed concerns about the prevalence of PMCs in conflict zones. The regulatory framework for PMCs either is inconsistent or inadequate with certain PMCs committing human rights violations. The EU references international conventions and laws like the Geneva Conventions and the International Convention Against the Recruitment, Use, Financing, and Training of Mercenaries (ICARUFTM), which prohibit the use of mercenaries in armed conflict like Ukraine, Palestine, and Myanmar. The UN doesn’t consider PMCs mercenaries. The EU has used PMCs in non-conflict situations. Ireland is increasing its spending on Military from 1.1 billion euros, to 1.5 billion euros by 2028. Ireland’s gun laws seem to be slightly stricter than the USA, but most likely fall in line with the rest of the EU.
Ireland will encourage countries to sever ties to PMCs with records of human rights violations. Ireland will also be making sure that EU funds don’t go towards PMCs with records of human rights violations and make judicial reforms to aid ones harmed by PMC human rights violations. The EU calls for a clear, binding framework in an attempt to ensure that laws and regulations are followed, especially human rights. Increase funding for EU training Groups, reducing the reliance on PMC’s.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Iran
Delegate Name: Meira Gable

As the world moves into the middle of the 21st century, warfare has continued to evolve and add increased complications to the actions of the international community. In particular, the rise of government funded private companies to carry out military and political objectives has made it difficult to enforce international humanitarian and human rights law on these organizations. Not only is it difficult to prove the accountability of the nations involved, but it is often tricky to discern these involvements in the first place. In recent years, Private Military Contractors (PMCs) have been deemed responsible for civilian deaths in Iraq and numerous other crimes that have gone largely unprosecuted. As the proliferation of these private companies continues, the international community must be ready to address human rights violations, increase national sovereignty and stability, and most importantly successfully hold culpable nations responsible for their involvement.

In many instances of private military involvement, Western nations have been especially involved in increasing foreign influence over areas like the Middle East. There is no doubt that the use of companies like Blackwater USA have caused harmful attacks in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations, further perpetrating the violence and war occurring in these areas. Historically, events like the Nisour Square massacre have not only detrimentally impacted the livelihood of civilians but have also decreased the overall stability of the country, in Iraq’s case being in some part responsible for ISIS’s rise later on in the 21st century due to increased anti-American sentiment.

The nation of Iran firmly believes that military decisions belong only in the hands of the state itself. The continued use of PMCs cannot stay in its current unregulated state. However, many proposed agreements and documents, such as the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers and the Montreux Document, have simply not addressed the important aspects of this issue. In regards to the former, the Code is nearly impossible to enforce legally and based on an opt-in system, making it virtually ineffective. With respect to the Montreux Document, while Iran strongly agrees that the human rights violations committed by PMCs must be combatted, the Montreux Document entirely neglects PMC activities in non-conflict zones, remedies for the victims of these activities, and a still unresolved legal status for PMC personnel in conflict zones. While Iran has yet to support these documents, that is not to say the nation will not in the future, as of now they simply don’t address the problems associated with PMCs.

With all this being said, there are some clear paths forward that Iran would support. The problems associated with PMCs largely arise out of the lack of legislation to hold them accountable. Iran firmly believes that military decisions should be made by the state, and should not be outsourced to private companies. However, many PMCs still remain, and must be dealt with accordingly. Iran would like to see clearer definitions of civilians and combatants, as well as more aid to the victims of PMCs’ actions. Finally, when DISEC is addressing this topic, it is important to distinguish between the company and any state actors. There are already numerous regulations in place over UN member states in order to ensure compliance with international law. PMCs are separate bodies that require separate regulations, and should be treated as such for the purposes of this committee.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is looking forward to collaborating on this issue, and developing a more robust regulatory scheme for Private Military Contractors.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Guyana
Delegate Name: Evan Puzzuoli

Guyana acknowledges the good that Private Military Contractors can do. With that being said, we are concerned that they will be involved and meddle in affairs which are not for them, such as legal, ethical, and international issues. While Private Military Contractors have the capability of good, we believe that it is of the utmost importance to consider the flaws and morality of humans. We feel that this is a rising issue, and that it is our responsibility as leaders to control this issue for our citizens and those who rely on us and our capabilities. We look forward to collaborating and discussing this issue with the countries present. We feel that we as a committee are exceptionally capable of finding not just one, but multiple solutions to this pressing issue.

The Red Cross defines Private Military Contractors as “private business entities that provide military and/or security services, irrespective of how they describe themselves. Military and security services include, in particular, armed guarding and protection of persons and objects, such as convoys, buildings and other places; maintenance and operation of weapons systems; prisoner detention; and advice to or training of local forces and security personnel.” An important issue with Private Military Contractors or mercenaries, is crimes, when a mercenary group violates an international human right. Another issue is violations of laws such as murder, torture, sexual violence, violent recruitment, and abductions. We are also very concerned that Private Military have the means, training, connections, and possible funding to become powerful international crime syndicates. The use of Private Military Contractors almost always escalates situations; we believe that they pose a greater risk and threat than benefit. We urge stricter regulation of Private Military Contractors. We believe that this is a need because of the possible issues that can be caused by Private Military Contractors.

We urge everyone here to echo our sentiments of strict and rigorous regulations and vetting of Private Military Contractors. We propose many solutions: the creation of an international oversight committee which will regulate and vet Private Military Contractors, the creation of a team that will work with Private Military Contractors, a checks and balances system, a group of approved Private Military Contractors, and possibly the prohibition of Private Military Contractors outright.

We would like to emphasize the importance of this issue; we feel that it is just too risky to have Private Military Contractors involved without strict regulation. We feel that the gray area of regulation will be preyed upon, resulting in irrecoverable loss, trauma, and damage, not just on a personal level, but on an international level. We feel that transparency and honesty are of the utmost importance when dealing with this topic and would like to institute a way of enforcing such morals. Guyana is committed to disarmament and feels that Private Military Contractors should not have as much power as they are allotted.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Belgium
Delegate Name: Nicole Schafer

Delegate: Nicole Schafer
Country: Belgium
Committee: DISEC
Topic: Private Military Contractors

Private Military Contractors have gained a lot of popularity in the past years throughout their role in history’s conflicts. Private military contractors usually act like a nation’s military or police, but are smaller and privately run. They rose to prominence in the mid 1900s and during the cold war. The UN has discussed these issues before, and one of their human rights groups, claiming that private military contractors (PMSCs) impede the basic rights of humans and impede on their free liberties, abusing their power. However, the UN is a big user of these PMSCs themselves.
Currently, there is no mechanism to keep these PMSCs accountable, posing major risks. Belgium wants to increase its spending on national defense and protection, especially with the war in Ukraine. Belgium also has many companies that build defense devices, especially engineering for aerospace. This is important since Belgium is the home for NATO. As a historically neutral country, Belgium has not needed to use private military contractors, but understands their risks. PMSCs make militaries something that can be bought and sold, which can be extremely dangerous to our future.
Belgium remains mostly neutral on this subject of PMSCs. While they recognize their harm to human rights and certain groups, they also recognize their value. Therefore, Belgium believes some laws must be made, especially about ethical behavior and accountability. However, PMSCs do play an invaluable role for good in many societies and this can not be taken away. Currently, there are laws banning mercenaries since 1989, but no strict ones on PMSCs. Belgium understands many countries may not be willing to give up some of their rights, so we must work together to find a compromise for all.

Sources:
https://www.gojil.eu/issues/31/31_article_kees.pdf

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Afghanistan
Delegate Name: Chase Martin

The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, having past experience during decades of conflict and foreign interference, acknowledges the role Private Military Contractors (PMCs) have played in the nation’s recent history. While PMCs have provided logistical support and assistance to international forces in Afghanistan, their presence has also exacerbated security challenges, overthrown state sovereignty, and perpetuated many cycles of violence. Afghanistan stands firm in advocating for stricter international regulation and oversight of PMCs to stop further destabilization in fragile states like ours and to upkeep the principles of sovereignty, human rights, and nationhood.

Afghanistan has been a focus point of PMC activity, especially during the United States’s military interventions after 9/11. PMCs were engaged for tasks ranging from armed security to logistical support, quite often blurring the lines between civilian and militaristic roles. While the presence was justified as essential to addressing operational flaws, it caused many concerning outcomes such as human rights violations gaps of accountability. Afghanistan calls upon this committee to address the risks posed by PMCs through comprehensive regulation and accountability mechanisms. We propose these following actions to take place at once: binding international support and regulation, establishing systems of accountability to punish those who escape judgement, and finally not allowing PMCs to take lead on humanitarian efforts.

As a nation directly affected by the unregulated proliferation of PMCs, Afghanistan urges DISEC to adopt a unified approach to address the challenges posed by these threats. Straight forward regulation and systems of accountability are essential to ensuring that PMCs contribute to global security rather than undermining it. The Delegation of Afghanistan is eager to work with member states of DISEC to achieve a world where international security is guided by key principles of justice, transparency, and honesty.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Argentina
Delegate Name: Ben Cook

Argentina has a generally cautious and restrictive position on private military contractors. Argentina’s stance on private military contractors is generally negative. They are “concerned about regulation and accountability of armed forces”. Argentina is a signatory to lots of international agreements that have goals of regulating the use of force in military operations. Even though Argentina does not have specific legislation focused on private military contractors, they are influenced by things like “The United Nations and Mercosur” and ”Mercosur” which have goals of increasing privatization and having a more peaceful and stable resolution of conflicts. Argentina also aligns with things like the Montreux Document (2008), which provides guidelines for regulating private security companies. Argentina is also a signatory to the Geneva Conventions, which focuses on the importance of accountability for everyone involved in armed conflict.

Argentina’s experiences are a big part of its position on private military contractors, including its involvement in the Falklands War (1982) and the countries history of dictatorships. These things have shaped the nation’s approach to military privatization and pmcs all over the country. Argentina is concerned about the lack of transparency associated with PMCs. These PMCs are often hired by governments without full oversight, and their operations are not bound by the same laws as state military. This allows them to operate outside of things, which sometimes leads to human rights violations, and sometimes war crimes. Argentina emphasizes the importance of holding all parties to the same laws to ensure peace.

Some possible solutions Argentina may have would be to establish laws on PMCs, to monitor these PMC’s closer, and to ban on the use of PMCs in Non-UN Conflicts to ensure peace.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Spain
Delegate Name: Aidan Jaronik

Delegate Aidan Jaronik
New Prairie High School

Position Paper: Addressing Private Military Contractors
Country: Spain
Committee: Disarmament and International Security Committee
Topic: Maintaining Proper Use of Private Military Contractors

Introduction
A private military contractor (PMC) is a private company that offers military and security services, such as combat support, training, intelligence, and facility protection, typically for governments or corporations. This position paper outlines Spain’s policy stances and proposed actions to regulate the use of PMCs, promoting security, accountability, and humanitarian standards both domestically and internationally.

Spain’s Perspective
Spain is committed to regulating the use of PMCs to ensure they operate within strict ethical and legal boundaries. Spain emphasizes transparency, accountability, and the protection of human rights. Some issues that Spain is particularly concerned about are as follows:

Accountability and Oversight: PMCs operate in sensitive security environments, which requires strict supervision to prevent abuses. Without proper monitoring, there’s a risk of illegal activities or violations of international laws.
Ethical and Legal Concerns: The involvement of PMCs can obscure accountability, raising ethical and legal questions. Ensuring that PMCs adhere to international standards is crucial to maintaining Spain’s commitment to justice and human rights.
National Security: It’s essential to ensure that contractors do not undermine state authority or engage in actions that could threaten Spain’s interests at home or abroad.
Spain’s Policy Positions
Spain supports a rigorous and transparent approach to regulating private military contractors. Key policy positions include:

Strict Regulation and Oversight of PMCs: Spain advocates for comprehensive regulations to oversee the operations of PMCs. This includes strict licensing and mandatory reporting to ensure contractors operate transparently and ethically.
Accountability and Legal Responsibility: Spain calls for clear legal frameworks to hold PMCs accountable for any violations of international humanitarian law or human rights abuses. Contractors must be subject to both domestic and international legal standards, ensuring that they act in accordance with Spain’s values.
Limiting PMC Engagement in Conflict Zones: Spain seeks to reduce the involvement of PMCs in active conflict zones. To prioritize state-led security operations to prevent privatized military force from undermining state authority and stability.
Human Rights and Ethical Standards: Spain is committed to ensuring that PMCs adhere to high ethical standards. It urges the international community to develop guidelines that protect human rights and prevent the exploitation of vulnerable populations in conflict areas where PMCs operate.
Promotion of International Cooperation: Spain advocates for global cooperation on regulating PMCs. It seeks to work with international partners, particularly through the United Nations and European Union, to establish unified standards that govern the use of private military contractors worldwide.
Proposed Solutions
To address private military contractors in Spain, the following solutions are proposed:

Stricter National Regulations: Spain could establish stricter laws to control the operations of private military contractors, ensuring transparency and accountability. This would include mandatory registration, strict oversight, and severe penalties for any illegal actions or breaches of conduct.
International Cooperation: Spain may work with other nations to develop international agreements governing the use of private military contractors, aligning standards, and ensuring they operate under ethical guidelines. This collaboration would aim to prevent the misuse of private forces in international conflicts.
Enhanced Licensing and Monitoring: To ensure that private military contractors adhere to national standards, Spain could run background checks and regular monitoring to ensure compliance with the law.
Public Awareness Campaigns: The Spanish government could launch awareness campaigns to inform the public about the role and risks of private military contractors. These efforts would promote better understanding and encourage reporting of any unlawful activities.
Support for Security Sector Reform: Spain may invest in strengthening its own national defense and security sectors, reducing the reliance on private military contractors. This would involve improving training, equipment, and resources.
Conclusion
Spain is committed to addressing the challenges posed by private military contractors and ensuring that security operations are conducted with accountability and transparency. By enforcing stricter regulations, enhancing international collaboration, and prioritizing public awareness, Spain aims to create a more secure and ethical approach to security services. Spain seeks to be a strong advocate for responsible security practices, ensuring the protection of human rights and national sovereignty.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Germany
Delegate Name: Henry Rife

Henry Rife
Committee – DISEC
Topic: Private Military Companies in Germany
Country: Germany
School: Williamston High School

Private Military Companies in Germany are a big deal. The main PMC in Germany is a group named Asgaard. In May of 2010, Asgaard secured a contract with a Somalian politician named Ahmad Galadid Abdinur Darman, which caused the German public to get heated. This is the main problem about PMC’s. They aren’t part of the government, and sometimes they do bad things that make people very nervous.
Right now, Germany has no laws against PMCs, Austria too has no laws against PMCs.
Germany has strict laws governing PMCs. The German government is careful about the use of private military contractors due to the country’s historical background and commitment to maintaining a strong military.

PMCs do operate in Germany, mainly in non-combat roles. They are often employed for security services, like protecting embassies, military bases, and high-profile individuals. German PMCs provide training services to both domestic and international clients, leveraging the expertise of former military personnel. These companies must comply with the War Weapons Control Act and the Foreign Trade and Payments Act, which regulate the export of military services and equipment.
The use of PMCs by the German government is generally limited to support roles, avoiding direct combat involvement. This approach aligns with Germany’s post-World War II policies, which focus on peacekeeping and humanitarian missions rather than offensive military actions. German PMCs have been involved in international peacekeeping missions, providing logistical support and training to local forces in conflict zones.

The debate over the use of PMCs in Germany is ongoing. People argue that PMCs offer good services, specialized skills, and big cost savings for the government. They can be quickly deployed and are not bound by the same laws as state military forces. Critics, however, raise concerns about accountability, transparency, and the potential for human rights abuses. The making private of military services can lead to a lack of oversight and ethical dilemmas, particularly in conflict zones where the lines between combatants and civilians are blurred. Germany now has “The German Basic Law”, or Grundgesetz, emphasizes the control of military force by the state, which inherently limits the scope of PMCs operations within the country.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Morocco
Delegate Name: Ella Fabyanic

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Morocco
Delegate Name: Ella Fabyanic

Great Lakes Invitational Model United Nations Conference
Delegation of Morocco
Disarmament and International Security Committee

Private Military Contractors

Armed forces have been used to maintain power and peace for millennia, but what happens when there is no one to stop these groups from extensive brutality? Many of these situations are implemented by groups known as Private Military Contractors or PMC’s. PMC’s also fall under the titles of militias and mercenaries (Mercenaries). With the use of PMC’s, countries can become violently unstable- rendering said country helpless. Private Military Contractors are commonly hired by governments that are participating in ongoing wars to boost their chances of victory and safety for their citizens. During the Cold War, the US and Soviet Union used PMC’S for a variety of tasks, including infrastructure management, combat service support, consulting, covert operations, and logistics (Mercenaries). The reason that many countries are threatened using private military contractors, is the fact that many of these groups do not hold back from immense violence and assault. Violent actions specifically work against goal 16 of the United Nations’ SDG’s plan, which promotes peace, justice, and strong institutions (Mercenaries). Continuing the use of private military contractors is a highly controversial topic because many countries involved have either been in cohorts with a PMC or have had one used against them.

The Delegation of Morocco continues to deal with landmines and unexploded ordnance resulting from engagement between Morocco and Polisario Front forces over Western Sahara.  Since 1993, the United States has provided $1.996 million dollars in Conventional Weapons Destruction program assistance to Morocco, including $1.154 million in FY2022 (US). Morocco has been a partner of NATO since 2004 and is strongly allied with the United States of America (US). This is clear through the countries’ extensive trade history. The United States has provided Morocco with over 9 billion worth of supplies and weaponry (US).  In 2011, Morocco and the United States joined 28 other countries as founding members of the Global Counterterrorism Forum. This is an initiative to help reduce citizens’ vulnerability to terrorism by preventing, combating, and prosecuting terrorist attacks and countering incitement and recruitment to terrorism (US). The issues with the terrorist group, “Polisario Front”, date back to its formation in May of 1973. The group was initially founded on the grounds of establishing the independence of the Spanish Sahara. Their political manifesto states that, “power and military action”, as the only way to liberate the people within the Sahara (Report). Since part of the Saharan land is claimed by Morocco, this is directly their issue to tackle (Intelligence).

The Delegation of Morocco has faced their fair share of run ins with private military contractors. The country has suffered casualties and losses, and this is why they have decided that this issue must be dealt with; especially since Morocco is aware they are not the only country dealing with these militia, mercenaries, and terrorist groups. To fight this problem, we want to add a more official way of determining the proper uses of PMC’s. To do this, we will create a program that combines the current programs that are in place to tackle the terrorist attacks. Programs such as the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime are already in place to help counteract the violence put in place by these PMC’s. The new code of conduct will not prevent the entirety of all PMC use but merely regulate the excessive force some of the uses have reached. To ensure that there is significant and consistent funding for enacting these programs in all affected countries, we will combine the finances of both the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact. The Delegation of Morocco recognizes that they are not the only country facing this violence, and that it must be handled in a mature but peaceful manner.

Works Cited

“Intelligence Memorandum.” U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1969-76ve09p1/d87. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

“Mercenaries, Private Military Contractors Can Destabilize Rule of Law, Expert Tells Third Committee, amid Calls to End Racism, Respect Migrant Rights | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases.” United Nations, United Nations, press.un.org/en/2018/gashc4246.doc.htm. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

“Report Prepared in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research.” U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1977-80v17p3/d221. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

“US Security Cooperation with Morocco.” U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, www.state.gov/u-s-security-cooperation-with-morocco/#:~:text=Morocco%20is%20a%20stalwart%20partner,Non%2DNATO%20ally%20in%202004. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Bangladesh
Delegate Name: Sophia Kiser

2024-Private Military Contractors (PMC)
Bangladesh
Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
Mattawan High School
Sophia Kiser

Private Military Contractors (PMCs) have several purposes for nations worldwide. They contribute to the protection of people in need of assistance, armed guarding, prisoner detention; and training of security personnel or local forces. However, these PMCs get to decide what conflicts they participate in, entering conflicts for money or other things for their benefit, and many people agree that this is morally wrong. PMCs are used to defend citizens when in conflict, but often aren’t supervised, which can lead to harmful actions towards citizens. Of course, there are always benefits to consider: PMCs replace mercenaries, people are defended, they have armed support, and they know how to fight and win battles. It depends on the country, but a good variety has multiple Private Military Companies in their arms.

On another note, the UN relies heavily on PMCs for peacekeeping missions across different nations which can be helpful at times, but there are also speculations of peacekeepers not helping these countries when promised, or at all. Bangladesh is a newer country with not many conflicts, the only war being the independence war from the 1970s, so the country of Bangladesh has not been impacted by PMCs directly but that doesn’t change how Bangladesh views them. Bangladesh supports PMCs working under supervision because Bangladesh knows the importance of a country in need of help and what a sacrifice it would be to shut PMCs down or other forms of lessening them.

The delegation of Bangladesh believes that PMCs’ pros outweigh the cons and that the UN should consider that PMCs are beneficial. But use should be permitted, and they should be supervised as much as possible, ensuring to put them into accountability for their actions. The PMCs actions can often be disregarded and turned away, but these people should be penalized for wrong-doings and their unpredictable actions. These punishments should be consulted to one another through the PMCs company and origin country, along with the country they committed the crime in. In addition, every country has its own way of how it looks at the world and who it wants in its country. Some countries aren’t so worried about PMCs while others are, meaning every country has its own opinions concerning PMCs and what they can do within the country of subject. The UN should promise that these countries’ wishes of how PMCs are operating are respected and ensured within said countries borders. Countries do not work around PMCs, PMCs work around countries and what they want. Bangladesh believes that if a country is in need of these PMCs, then they shouldn’t have to also worry about the backlash that comes along with the help that they are receiving.

Sources:
Monitoring Private Military and Security Contractors
https://scholarship.law.nd.edu/ndjicl/vol1/iss1/1/

Role of Private Military Companies in Conflict
https://bipss.org.bd/role-of-private-military-companies-in-conflict/

Impact of Private Military Companies on the Protection of Civilians
https://civiliansinconflict.org/publications/policy/privatizing-war-the-impact-of-private-military-companies-on-the-protection-of-civilians/

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Owen Hufnagel

Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
Private Military Contractors
Republic of South Africa
Owen Hufnagel
Forest Hills Eastern

As war has advanced and industrialized, many corporations have been formed to monetize and take advantage of leaders’ quick and unpredictable actions. These companies design, develop, and construct guns, ammunition, missiles, bombs and nukes, aircrafts, and naval ships. Then, they sell them to the government and other private military contractors for a profit. This privatization of combat has made corporations trillions of dollars and built strong alliances with domestic and international governments. South Africa, having one of the most advanced and largest defense industries globally, has been central to the debate over the military-industrial complex.
The Republic of South Africa has deep ties with private military contractors, most notably Armscor, a multi-billion dollar arms corporation that supplies the South African military and police force with weapons and ammunition. Armscor (Armaments Corporation of South Africa) was created in 1963 in response to the United Nations sanctions on apartheid South Africa. South Africa recognizes the issues and threats of privatizing the military, but without proper materials and facilities, it is forced to use private contractors. While they have had a successful relationship with those PMCs, sometimes, a government crackdown is needed, such as in the case of illegal military boot camps, where authorities were forced to shut down those camps and install a security commission to prevent further unlawful operations. Internationally, South Africa has actively participated in discussions on the ethical use of PMCs, advocating for greater oversight and accountability through frameworks like the African Union’s Policy on the Use of Mercenaries. Additionally, South Africa has been involved in regional partnerships to promote peace and stability in conflict-prone areas, emphasizing the importance of integrating PMCs into lawful and ethical practices. Despite challenges, the country’s commitment to reforming its policies and promoting responsible military assistance highlights its potential role as a leader in establishing global best practices for PMC regulation.
The Republic of South Africa is advocating for regulations on PMCs, proposed to the United Nations, that would not dismantle or ultimately limit them. While South Africa benefits from these agencies, it is not blind to the potential harm they can cause to governance. South Africa seeks improved constraints on PMCs to reduce their control over local governments and police forces, thereby centralizing the national government’s authority. This would prevent billion-dollar corporations from controlling law enforcement. The potential funding from other nations is crucial for South Africa, as it would enable the country to invest in materials and facilities for military technology production, thereby consolidating its power over military advances.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Slovenia
Delegate Name: Micaela Wagner

Committee: Disarmament & International Security Committee
Topic: Private Military Contractors
Country: Slovenia
School: Portage Central High School

A private military contractor is a military professional who provides services to private institutions and government agencies. They have various duties depending on where they are hired from–whether that be in active combat zones or not. They will often be tasked with serving as an armed guard in areas where terrorists or criminals are predicted to strike. Slovenia believes that these private military contractors are increasingly taking over military duties–training, intelligence and security operations, and logistics and engineering support. Slovenia believes that private military companies have little legitimacy and accountability, are a threat to state sovereignty, have low morals, could be a threat to peace and stability, and is worried about what happens post conflict because of private military contractors. As a member of the European Union and the United Nations, Slovenia wants to ensure that private military contractors are upholding international law, human rights, and global security, This paper will outline Slovenia’s position on private military contractors as well as suggestions to ensure that private military contractors operate within international law, human rights, and global security.

Slovenia recognizes that private military contractors have become an essential part of modern day conflicts and provides essential training, security, intelligence and security operations, and logistics and engineering support. Slovenia has yet to extensively use private military contractors in their own military operations but acknowledges it for being essential in international peacekeeping and conflict zones in regions that national forces cannot operate well.

Slovenia is deeply concerned about private military contractors violating humanitarian law outside of the jurisdiction of national governments and international governments. Slovenia strongly upholds the principles of international law and human rights, and we are determined to ensure that private military contractors do not affect peace, security, or the protection of civilians in conflict areas.

Slovenia strongly advocates for establishing international legal frameworks for private military companies. We recommend that these set clear guidelines for the employment and conduct of private military contractors.

Slovenia also recommends strengthening accountability for private military contractors’s activities to ensure that they follow international norms and respect the sovereignty of their host nation. To ensure this happens. Slovenia recommends an establishment of an independent international oversight body to monitor their activities.

Bibliography
https://www.fvv.um.si/rv/arhiv/2014-3/02_Kopac_Fritz_Garb-E.html
https://www.alfa-metal.com/how-to-become-a-private-military-contractor/
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/66700/private-military-companies-final-31-august.pdf
https://www.adamsmith.org/blog/thinkpieces/how-better-regulation-can-make-private-military-contractors-work

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Indonesia
Delegate Name: Karim Heydarzade

Committee: Disarmament & International Security Committee (DISEC)
Topic: Private Military Contractors
Country: The Republic of Indonesia
School: Portage Central High School

Private military contractors, or PMCs, are private companies that specialize in conflict-related sericse and are usually hired by governments, corporations or non-government organizations. With the PMC services market being estimated to be worth around 250 billion dollars in 2021, many countries use private military contractors for different purposes such as conducting secret operations on sensitive and politically controversial topics. Presence of PMC’s have also been recorded to affect local populations in several ways.

Indonesia acknowledges the exponential growth in the use of PMCs and that they can offer useful security services, but is cautious about giving them the freedom to operate in the country because they could harm national control, human rights, and stability. Indonesia emphasizes its sovereignty and works to keep PMCs under strict regulation. The government requires PMCs to follow Indonesian laws and stay under close supervision, especially in areas like Papua which has had many conflicts over the past years. Indonesia also protects their local population from exploitation or harm while also using PMCs to improve our economy by hiring them for jobs including mining and oil extraction.

Indonesia fully supports discussions on the regulation of PMCs, particularly through the United Nations and we also acknowledge that PMCs may play a big role in peacekeeping and rebuilding efforts but we insist for there to be a line that cannot be crossed. Any PMC work in conflict zones must follow the government’s plans for peace and development.

Indonesia supports creating or enhancing international laws and guidelines to regulate PMCs, ensuring they operate within their boundaries and respect sovereignty. We also encourage countries to hold PMCs accountable for violations of human rights or international law. Member states can also adopt stricter licensing and monitoring systems for all PMCs which would ensure accountability. Indonesia also believes that the UN could introduce ways to track and investigate PMC activities, particularly in conflict zones, to ensure there are no violations of any laws and if there are, penalties can be given accordingly.

Bibliography
Gandhi, Prerna. “Recognizing the Rise of the Private Military Contractors.” vifinda.org, 23 July 2021, https://www.vifindia.org/article/2021/july/23/recognizing-the-rise-of-the-private-military-contractors. Accessed 25 November 2025.
Karasik, Theodore, and Rasha Jammal. “THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK ISSUES OF PMSC: INDONESIAN PRACTICE Muhammad Ardiansyah Arifin Faculty of Law, Universitas Gadjah Mada muham.” Jurnal Universitas Gadjah Mada, https://journal.ugm.ac.id/v3/MH/article/download/3958/1733/. Accessed 25 November 2024.
Kezel, Marie. “West Papua Pro-independence Movements and their impact on the security situation in Indonesia.” ESISC, 16 March 2020, http://www.esisc.org/publications/briefings/west-papua-pro-independence-movements-and-their-impact-on-the-security-situation-in-indonesia. Accessed 25 November 2024.
Security Guard Services. “What Do Private Military Contractors Do?” dahlcore.com, 17 June 2024, https://dahlcore.com/blog/f/what-do-private-military-contractors-do#:~:text=Private%20Military%20Companies%20(PMCs)%20not,mission%20planning%20and%20execution%20effectiveness. Accessed 25 November 2024.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: France
Delegate Name: Vincent DelRosso

Great Lakes Invitational Model United Nations Conference
Delegation of France
Disarmament and International Security Committee

Private Military Contractors
Through recent history, private military contractors (PMCs) have posed a threat against much of the peace and safety that the United Nations strives to reach. This concern comes from many reasons, one being the challenge posed to state sovereignty. One reason for the recent growth of PMCs is a change from companies acting as mere militias to major factions in zones of conflict. When this is paired with most PMCs working alongside developing nations in conflict, these conditions are prime for the creation of major struggles in power at a national level. There are some cases where a nation may employ a PMC yet will develop a reliance and become overly dependent on the support from a PMC, which can create a power struggle, accompanied by more conflict on top of the preexisting issues (Growing). Another major issue that accompanies this situation is the lack of accountability and regulations for private groups. Unlike a traditional national military, which acts under a federal body, PMCs are just that, private companies. These companies have no national regulations to abide by and, at best, have a loose charter to align with. This combination puts private military companies in an international ‘grey area’ making them borderline impossible to regulate. These legal vacuums created are unfortunately a hotspot for many human rights violations, including war crimes, sexual exploitation, and immoral execution via torture methods. (Working)
The Delegation of France sees these significant issues not just at an international level but also in relation to our own domestic affairs. In France, mercenaryism, or the individual employment of mercenaries with the intent of personal gain, is seen as a crime. While similar, Private miliary contractors in France are considered legal, as most companies are employed out of a need for defense. (Private) Yet the legal framework behind PMCs in France is still unclear and often disputed. The lack of a definite framework between private companies is a major problem not only in France, but internationally. This adds to the fact that these companies operate internationally with little to no regulations placed upon them. There are roughly one hundred French PMCs operating international that include but are not limited to; Anticip, Chiron and Defense Conseil International (DCI Group). Out of these select three, the DCI Group is the closest to the French government and military. The DCI Group mostly works in a diplomatic sense, as they are used mostly in assistance of France’s allies, as they have worked alongside various international governments (Quality). Unfortunately, not all private military contractors are created equal. While the DCI Group operates both independent from and closely to the French government, and maintains the accountability of its employees, it is an example of a select group of PMCs. This select group of PMCs should be used as a model for an ideal concept of private military contractors; one that is organized, accountable and useful.
The solution to this issue revolves around moving toward this concept of an ideal private military company. The first step to achieving this would be allowing easier access to the monitoring of PMC activities. The Delegation of France proposes the idea that all PMCs must be legally registered and recognized as such. By creating a database of widely recognized PMCs, it creates an easier way to monitor these contractors’ activities. Once this is in place, the door opens for several United Nations (UN) resources. Programs like the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNCHR) can support those already affected by violations of human rights as well as ensuring the ordinance with laws pertaining to human rights. Alongside humanitarian groups, bodies like the international court of justice (ICJ) should be employed too. The ICJ is a valuable resource in this issue on the legal front, as it can keep PMCs accountable. One legal framework and regulations, the ICJ can be used to prosecute PMCs that have committed these crimes and provide compensation for those affected.

References:

“Growing Risks from Private Military Companies.” Council of the European Union, General Secreteriat, 31 Aug. 2023, www.consilium.europa.eu/media/66700/private-military-companies-final-31-august.pdf.
“Private Military Companies in France.” The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Russian Ministry of foreign affairs, 23 July 2023, mid.ru/fr/foreign_policy/international_safety/1896224/?lang=en.
“Quality, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Policy.” DCI Group, 12 Nov. 2024, groupedci.com/the-group/quality-ethics-and-anti-corruption-policy/.
“Working Group on the Use of Mercenaries as a Means of Violating Human Rights and Impeding the Exercise of the Right of Peoples to Self-Determination.” OHCHR, 23 Oct. 2018, web.test.ohchr.un-icc.cloud/en/statements/2021/02/working-group-use-mercenaries-means-violating-human-rights-and-impeding-0#:~:text=Moreover%2C%20the%20Working%20Group%20has,slavery%2C%20to%20name%20a%20few.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Niger
Delegate Name: Hannah Weber

Niger has had a complex and evolving stance on Private Military Contractors (PMCs), largely influenced by its political landscape, security concerns, and foreign relations. The country, situated in the Sahel region of West Africa, faces significant security challenges due to insurgent groups, including those affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, and the broader instability in neighboring Mali and Burkina Faso. Overall, Niger is open to the use of Private Military Contractors because of the conflict in surrounding countries and security concerns.
Historically, Niger has relied on foreign military and security assistance to combat both terrorism and insurgency, with France, the United States, and regional allies being the main partners. Though Niger has not used PMCs to the extent that Libya and the Central African Republic, the use of private contractors has been a large discussion in the context of the security threats throughout the Sahel region. Following the military coup in July 2023, there has been speculation that the Russian private military contractor group, the Wager Group, providing security because of its involvement and government support in Mali and the Central African Republic. The current military leaders of Niger have shown interest in exploring alternative security partnerships, including Russia.
Neighboring countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso have been more open to engaging with PMCs and have started to distance themselves from Western allies and replace French troops with the Russian Wagner Group creating tensions. Niger is a member of the G5 Sahel along with Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, and Mauritania, and the group is being pressured to navigate its relationship with both Western powers and Russia carefully. Niger is open to pursuing similar relationships with PMCs because of regional trends and is open to non-Western security solutions. Niger doesn’t have any available legal framework that addresses the use of PMCs and the regulation of PMCs is handled within the broader context of national security laws and defense agreements. In the past, Niger has been more focused on cooperation agreements with states than private contractors, though this could change in the context of growing instability in the Sahel region. The government may view PMCs as a way to strengthen security capabilities if external support becomes less reliable.
As seen in surrounding countries, the use of PMCs is often a double-edged sword. On one hand, PMCs like the Wagner Group often aid in supporting local governments and combating terrorists. On the other hand, there is often increasing amounts of violence and abuses of human rights. Niger’s position on PMCs is evolving, and though they have never used PMCs as a part of their defense strategy, Niger is open to the use of PMCs though some restrictions may be needed.

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Pakistan
Delegate Name: Alexander Kha

Private military contractors are businesses made on the principle of governments using their services to substitute or act within military environments. These businesses operate around the world and are in the service of any country willing to pay for their services. Those within the PMCs are private soldiers who are paid through service. The other side of the involved are those the PMCs act for. This side could include; governments, private employers, or corporations. This topic is of significant importance as the actions of these PMCs are a potential violation of state sovereignty. We, the country of Pakistan, consider the PMCs to be illegal, the necessary prevention significant, and that PMCs should not have a role in humanitarian missions
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan believes that PMCs throughout the globe should not use the services of private military contractors. This is due to both the constitution of Pakistan banning the use of PMCs and the previous history with the United States and the PMC of Blackwater. One of the ways that Pakistan has tried to limit the use of PMCs is the establishment of a ban on PMCs within the constitution. These efforts have given way to clearing, at least within the country, of the military groups. History with PMCs is the actions of the Blackwater group which had operated within the country without the permission to go into Pakistan. This in part violated the sovereignty of Pakistan, giving an unfavorable impression and effect upon the Pakistani government.
Policies that the delegate of Pakistan would strongly insist that the United Nations would adopt would be the reduction or outright banning of Private Military groups. This type of policy would benefit as the role of PMCs and previous actions by PMCs are of crimes against humanity. Policies that the delegation would strongly insist that would not be adopted would be the increase in the use of PMCs as they are ungoverned and not held accountable.
The Legal frameworks that should govern the operations of PMCs are laws that shut down their use or severely reduce their use within the conflict zones. The international community can prevent the misuse of PMCs by passing policies in place to again strongly limit or outright ban the use of private militias within conflict zones. This is to fully reduce their impact. The role that PMCs should play in humanitarian missions should be one of either non-militarized fashion or outright should not be used within humanitarian missions. Their involvement should be entirely non-militarized for aid delivery.
We the delegation of Pakistan, believe that the international community can and should come together to fully solve the issue of the role of Private Military Contractors, through strong and efficient dialogue and debate to come together and fully answer the issue presented.

Bibliography
Private military contractors:
Pakistan General information (CIA world Factbook) – Private Military Contractors
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/pakistan/
PMCs in Afghanistan and Pakistan (Archive.globalpolicy)- Private Military Contractors
https://archive.globalpolicy.org/pmscs/50109-afghanistanpakistan.html

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Ethiopia
Delegate Name: Dhanishta Gupta

Committee: DISEC
Topic: Private military contractors
Country: Ethiopia
School: Central High School
Private military contractors (PMCs) in Ethiopia play a significant role in the country’s security. These contractors provide various services, including military training, intelligence gatherings, and logistical support. Ethiopia lacks specific laws governing PMCs, leading to potential issues with blunders and human rights violations. PMCs are often engaged in protecting critical infrastructure such as oil fields and mining operations. They also assist in counter-terrorism efforts and border security. However, their operations sometimes lead to conflict with local communities and raise concerns about their influence on domestic conflicts and sovereignty. The Ethiopian government faces the challenge of balancing the benefits of PMCs.
The United Nations has made several statements regarding private military contractors. For instance, a UN expert body has urged broad support for the creation of a global treaty to regulate the activities of PMCs. According to the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of the Armed Forces (DCAF), “The Montreux Document’s Good Practices, therefore, offer a practical blueprint for how states can effectively regulate PMSCs”. These statements reflect the UN’s recognition of the challenges posed by PMCs and the importance of establishing regulatory frameworks to address these issues.
Private military contractors have a significant impact on Ethiopia particularly in the fields of security and conflict. They have been employed to provide various services including training intelligence and logistical support often filling the gaps left by the national military. While PMCs can offer cost efficiency and specialized skills their presence also raises concerns about accountability and human rights violations. Ethiopia has taken several steps to address the challenges posed by PMCs. The country has participated in many regional conferences to discuss the PMCs. These conferences aim to have better governance. Ethiopia has also engaged with international initiatives like the Montreux document which provides guidelines for the use of PMCs. Ethiopia continues to work with regional and international partners to strengthen the PMCs. On the other hand, the outgoing conflict in regions overshadows these efforts. The situation remains complex, with humanitarian needs surging and the security environment worsening. While the UN statements have highlighted important issues and encouraged dialogue the practical impact on the ground in Ethiopia has been limited due to the ongoing conflict and challenges in implementing effective oversight and accountability measures. The presence of Private military contractors has complicated peace efforts requiring additional international cooperation to ensure accountability and respect for human rights in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia would want to adopt stronger regulations on the PMCs; they would try to move toward mandatory reporting and monitoring them more often. Doing this will enhance global security and protect human rights in conflict zones. Ethiopia would try to promote training programs for PMCs on international humanitarian law and human rights to ensure they operate effectively in conflict zones. Implementing mandatory reporting requirements for PMC activities including detailed records of operations and incidents that occur could enhance the PMCs. By advocating these, Ethiopia aims to ensure private military contractors operate within a regulatory framework that will contribute positively to global security and human rights.

Committee: DISEC
Topic: Indiscriminate weapons
Country: Ethiopia
School: Central High School
Indiscriminate weapons in Ethiopia worsen the humanitarian crisis, particularly in conflict zones. These weapons including landmines, cluster munitions, and improvised explosive devices lead to significant civilian casualties and displacement. The use of these weapons violates international humanitarian law. The presence of these weapons has hindered humanitarian aid efforts as areas contaminated with unexploded weapons are unsafe for workers. The need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to address the expanding impact of indiscriminate weapons in Ethiopia remains critical.
There have been several statements by UN officials regarding the situation in Ethiopia. For instance, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern about the escalating violence and the humanitarian crisis. According to the UN News, “We can only move forward if we also renew and update global institutions, by making them more effective, fair and inclusive.” He also highlighted the horrific impact of indiscriminate attacks on civilians including the destruction of critical infrastructure and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. These statements emphasize the urgent need for a political solution and the international community’s role in supporting peace efforts in Ethiopia.
Indiscriminate weapons have had a devastating impact on Ethiopia. The use of explosive weapons like drone strikes resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure. Unexploded weapons pose an ongoing risk, especially for children who are affected by these. These weapons have also severely hampered food production, worsening food insecurity. The psychological trauma and fear caused by these weapons further disrupt daily life hindering educational and economic opportunities. The presence of indiscriminate weapons has compounded the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia highlighting the urgent need for effective regulation efforts. Ethiopia has taken several steps to address this issue of indiscriminate weapons and their impact on civilians. The government has passed the Firearm Administration and Control Proclamation which bans private trade in weapons and imposes strict penalties for illegal possession of firearms. This legislation aims to combat insecurity and reduce the proliferation of weapons in Ethiopia. Additionally, Ethiopia has collaborated with international organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to raise awareness and reduce the risks posed by unexploded weapons. The ICRC is actively involved in providing physical improvement services and mobility devices to victims of weapons contamination, particularly children. Despite these efforts, the ongoing conflict in the region continues to pose significant challenges, and more comprehensive measures are needed to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians.
Ethiopia would likely advocate for the United Nations to adopt several specific measures to address the issue of indiscriminate weapons. They would like to have mandatory reporting and implement mandatory reporting requirements for the use of such weapons including detailed records of operations and incidents to enhance accountability. An independent UN body could be established to oversee the use of weapons conducting regular inspections. Ethiopia would likely promote training programs for the military on international humanitarian law, human rights, and conflict resolution, ensuring ethical operations in conflict zones. By advocating for these measures Ethiopia aims to ensure effective regulation of indiscriminate weapons contributing to global security and human rights.

Bibliography
Private military contractors:
https://www.montreuxdocument.org/pdf/regional/2015-11-12-Report-Ethiopia-Regional-Conference-PMSCs.pdf
Indiscriminate weapons:
https://www.icrc.org/en/news-release/ethiopia-children-disproportionately-affected-weapon-contamination
https://chilot.wordpress.com/2020/04/04/firearm-administration-and-control-proclamation-no-1177-2020/
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/10/1155941

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Mozambique
Delegate Name: Abigail Kearney

Mozambique as a whole firmly supports the use of private military contractors and strongly opposes the idea of limitations on, or oppression of, private military contractors. The government of Mozambique believes that limiting private military contractors will harm least-developed countries and the billions of people who reside in them. Mozambique also strongly agrees with the current laws regarding the management of private military contractors and suggests that we continue to uphold these laws and regulations without major changes. Mozambique suggests that we allow countries to reasonably determine how they shall govern private military contractors on their own soil. Any laws limiting or restricting private military contractors essentially promote colonialism, racism, inequality, and the oppression of those who live in least-developed countries.
Private military contractors are a vital way for least-developed countries to combat unrest and large-scale violence inside and outside of their countries. Currently, 45 countries are considered to be least-developed. Only seven countries have graduated from the least-developed status since the classification was created. Of the ten lowest developed countries, eight have dealt with large-scale violence, low education rates, and some sort of shortage of essential resources. This is where private military contractors come into play. They provide a stable military base for least-developed countries to grow. Limiting private military contractors would take away these countries’ only military resources and leave them at the mercy of surrounding countries with any amount of military support. This creates defensive vulnerabilities for least-developed countries and effectively promotes large-scale violence against vulnerable civilian populations.
Private military contractors are also able to provide much-needed humanitarian relief and aid. Limiting the actions or existence of private military contractors promotes inequality and causes irreparable harm to least-developed countries. Over the last five years, humanitarian organizations have increased their contracting of security and security-related services and companies. Also, all major humanitarian aid organizations have reported using armed guards in some sort of context. This is because there are major concerns about threats against aid workers and organizations that can only be solved through increased protection. Protection often comes in the form of private military contractors. Limiting private military contractors will actively hinder humanitarian aid operations. This is an especially important point to consider because of the influx of humanitarian crises in recent years.
This matter is of great importance and will affect the lives and liberties of millions of citizens around the globe. Limits on private military contractors create risk in already unstable regions. It is integral for countries that support democracy and equality to come together on this issue and preserve the rights of countries to use private military contractors.

Works Cited:
UNCTAD. (2023, December). UN List of Least Developed Countries. Unctad.org; United Nations. https://unctad.org/topic/least-developed-countries/list
Private Military Contractors | Center for International Maritime Security. (n.d.). https://cimsec.org/publications/compendiums/2015-2/private-military-contractors/
Trends in private security contracting by humanitarians. (n.d.). Retrieved November 24, 2024, from https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/96599/hpgbrief_33.pdf

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Mexico
Delegate Name: Holden Eldirdge

Topic: 2024 Private Military Contractors
Country: United Mexican States
Delagte Name: Holden Eldridge

War: Throughout history, humanity has engaged with each other. From the Crusades to WW2, war is ever-changing. Countries are always trying to find new ways to fight each other. But in the scene of global conflict, things are changing. A new way to fight is here, a way to engage in conflict without risking the lives of your soldiers.

As a country that has struggled with violence, we are no strangers to violence in our own country. Through the years we have seen the drastic rise in violent crimes not only in our country but across South America and all over the world. In many places, countries have resorted to the use of PMCs or private security forces. We have been one of these nations that employ private security forces but not PMCs. As violence rises in our country our police forces have been stretched to their limits and in some places others either being the military or private security forces have been used to fill these gaps. But even though we do use private contractors for security purposes we condemn the use of PMCs to fight a war offense or defense. PMCs often do not have any oversight in a war zone and are not required to follow the rules of war. This makes them extremely unpredictable, Even though they can be punished for not following the rules of war they still often go unchecked and unpunished for their actions. The delegation of mexico urges the fellow countries into putting in place policies that will limit and hold PMC’s accountable. And to put in place systems that allow better observation and oversight of PMC’s. In the goal of upholding international law and humanitarian rights.

References:
A/HRC/33/43
A/HRC/33/43

A/RES/68/162

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Venezuela
Delegate Name: Marcos Calderon

Before private military contractors were discovered, there were mercenaries for hire. PMCs have always been convenient for many reasons, the biggest being that countries don’t have to take any blame for controversial tasks. Another convenience is that they’re very cost-efficient because they’re cheaper than a full military force and don’t require a long-term commitment.
Venezuela over the past years has been noticed using Russia’s PMC group, Wagner, during protests in 2019. In 2020, Venezuela used Silverwater USA to help dispose of Maduro. Before Russia in 2019, Venezuela wasn’t seen using any PMCs. Venezuela is known to have many in-country issues with the election results and the sanctions against Maduro have created more tension, especially between the US and Venezuela. Venezuela believes that there should not be any harsh imposes on any policies with the PMCs due to needing help at times with protests but there should be imposes on what happens when a PMC is used against the president of a country.
In 2020, people in Venezuela miserably tried to throw Maduro out of office by hiring a PMC from the US to help with a raid. When we hired Wagner in 2019, it was to protect Maduro from the protests that were increasing throughout the country. It wasn’t to throw off our own president. Although Venezuela usually is very limited in its usage of PMCs, we believe that we as a country should decide how we wish to utilize and restrict PMCs. We are aware PMCs can be seen as a misuse of power in conflict zones and believe the best solution to this problem is that resolutions are created.
Venezuela believes that PMCs are here to help countries who desperately need it such as when protests get out of hand for only the military to control it. That being said, countries should be allowed to personally deal with a PMC that helps people go against their own country. We believe people should face the consequences of their actions and that we are allowed to include PMCs to show that lesson.

Work Cited
Sanderson, Ethan “Covert Private Military Operations In Venezuela” https://greydynamics.com/covert-private-military-operations-in-venezuela/
“Venezuela-Related Sanctions” https://www.state.gov/venezuela-related-sanctions/

Topic: 2024-Private Military Contractors
Country: Sudan
Delegate Name: Johnny Thai

Ever since humanity appeared on Earth, humans have fought against each other. As time progressed, so has war. As humanity developed further, money would appear becoming a necessity within human society, and many would do anything for it. It was this desire for money that would cause many to fight wars be it for, or against their own countries. Before private military contractors, mercenaries were the arms for hire, and now, they appear again, but under a new name and supposedly abide by international laws.

Sudan had and still has relations with private military companies, most notably the Wagner Group, a Russian state-funded private military company, which has most notably supplied Sudan with equipment and medicine during the coronavirus pandemic. The Wagner Group has also aided Sudan in the defense of its mining operations, as the government of Sudan does not have the manpower to defend its resources. The delegation of Sudan urges the members of the United Nations to not impose harsh policies upon the private military companies due to the need of many countries, such as Sudan, Afghanistan, and surprisingly, Japan, who need these private military companies to aid in the defense of their nation for reasons such as being imposed by international law to not be able to raise a military, Japan as previously stated is a case of this, as well as not enough able or willing citizens who wish to be part of the armed forces.

The delegation of Sudan asks the members of the United Nations to allow countries themselves determine how they wish to utilize and restrict private military companies that come upon their soil, for each nation has their own needs that these companies can provide. The delegation of Sudan acknowledges that private military companies have been cited to misuse its powers within conflict zones and requests this general assembly to regulate them through resolutions such as providing situations private military companies may defend themselves and their client. This also provides a demonstration of the roles private military companies may have, especially within humanitarian aid allowing the protection of said aid against organizations such as the Abu Nidal Organization which has harmed Sudanese citizens during the years of 2019 and 2020, around the time of the coronavirus pandemic.

Thus, the delegation Sudan implores the general assembly of the United Nations to further allow the operations of private military companies to aid nations and humanitarian efforts who require them as stated previously, due to the nature of conflict zones around Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Though private military companies have been at the forefront of international war crimes, they have been few and far inbetween to harshly regulate these companies. The private military companies, such as the Wagner Group can help nations who require it, without the need to concede to other nations in return for aid, thus the delegation of Sudan requests again, to regulate private military companies lightly.

References:

“Sudan.” United States Department of State, www.state.gov/reports/country-reports-on-terrorism-2019/sudan/.

“Sudan.” United States Department of State, www.state.gov/reports/country-reports-on-terrorism-2020/sudan/.

admin, and admin. “Japan Says Private Military Contractors Are Government Employees.” Barnett, Lerner, Karsen, Frankel & Castro, P.A., 24 Apr. 2018, www.injuredoverseas.com/japan-says-private-military-contractors-government-employees/.

Howell, Jeremy, et al. “Wagner in Sudan: What Have Russian Mercenaries Been up To?” BBC News, 23 Apr. 2023, www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-65328165.

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