International Review of the Red Cross, 2006, No. 863 – Private military companies
Military entrepreneurship is now an integral feature of contemporary war. The present edition of the International Review of the Red Cross highlights the variety of issues raised by the increased presence of private military companies (PMCs) in situation of armed conflicts.
Issue No. 863 - 2006
Theme: Private military companies
Table of contents
-
Editorial - IRRC September 2006 No 863
-
Interview with Andrew Bearpark
Andrew Bearpark is the Director general of the "British Association of Private Security Companies". -
The global reorganization of legitimate violence: military entrepreneurs and the private face of international humanitarian law
James Cockayne
By examining historical changes in the role and legal treatment of military entrepreneurs, the author sheds light on the contemporary ‘‘resurfacing’’ of privately organized violence in the form of private military companies, and its broader implications for international humanitarian law. -
Human rights obligations of non-state actors in conflict situations
Andrew Clapham
The author addresses the international obligations of belligerents, national liberation movements and insurgent entities, looks at the growing demands that such armed groups respect human rights norms and considers some of the options for holding private military companies accountable with regard to human rights abuses. -
Business goes to war: private military/security companies and international humanitarian law
Emanuela-Chiara Gillard
This article examines the key legal issues raised by PMCs/PSCs operating in situations of armed conflict, including the status of the staff of these companies and their responsibilities under international humanitarian law; the responsibilities of the states that hire them; and those of the states in whose territory PMCs/PSCs are incorporated or operate. -
Private military companies: their status under international humanitarian law and its impact on their regulation
Lindsey Cameron
The article considers possible consequences of private military companies’ employees having the status of civilians under international humanitarian law and their potential impact on regulating these companies effectively. -
Corporate actors: The legal status of mercenaries in armed conflict
Katherine Fallah
This article critically surveys the conventional law as it applies to mercenaries, and considers the extent to which corporate actors might meet the legal definitions of a ‘‘mercenary’’. It demonstrates that even mercenaries receive protection under international humanitarian law. -
Promoting compliance of private security and military companies with international humanitarian law
Benjamin Perrin
The author critically examines the theoretical risks posed by private military and security company activity with respect to violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, together with the incentives that these companies have to comply with those norms. -
Elements for contracting and regulating private security and military companies
Michael Cottier
Key issues raised by the use and operation of private military and security companies, particularly in conflict areas, are their accountability and how to control them. National regulation, however, is still rare. In view of this still largely unregulated phenomenon, this contribution considers elements of contracting and regulatory options. -
Corporate civil liability for violations of international humanitarian law
Eric Mongelard
This article seeks to explore the concept of civil liability of corporations involved in violations of international humanitarian law by providing an overview of the different legal issues raised by this concept and its implementation in both common law and continental law systems. -
National implementation of international humanitarian law – Biannual update, January to June 2006
Biannual update on national legislation and case law January–June 2006 -
Books and articles
Recent acquisitions of the Library & Research Service
Home
Back to top
