Montreux+5, as the conference is known, was opened on 11 December 2013 by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), and by Christine Beerli, vice-president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The Montreux Document is the result of a joint initiative launched in 2006 and formally presented on 17 September 2008 by Switzerland and the ICRC.
The Montreux Document reaffirms pertinent legal obligations and lists good practices for states related to operations of private military and security companies during armed conflict. These good practices are designed to help states to take appropriate domestic measures to meet their obligations under international law.
The adoption of the Montreux Document was followed by the introduction in November 2010 of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (ICoC). The code defines standards and principles based on human rights and international humanitarian law which are applicable to private security companies operating in complex environments. It also aims to improve accountability in this sector by setting up an external independent oversight mechanism.
NATO joins the initiative
2013 marks the fifth anniversary of the Montreux Document. The number of signatory states has increased from 17 in 2008 to 49 today. Three organisations are also signatories to the document: the European Union (EU), the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and NATO, which officially joined this initiative on 6 December 2013.
During his opening address to the conference, Mr Burkhalter stressed, "the challenges ahead will require states to cooperate closely, exchange information and offer each other mutual assistance. Regular dialogue between states and international organisations that have endorsed the Montreux Document may well help us achieve full compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights."
Switzerland and the ICRC organised the Montreux+5 Conference, which will end on 13 December 2013, in collaboration with the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF). Switzerland needs partners to be able to effectively fulfil its commitment to peace and security. That is why it cooperates with countries that share its values, as well as with international organisations, NGOs, and the scientific and business communities.
The Montreux conference offers an excellent opportunity for states and international organisations to share their experiences in regulating private security companies and to identify ways to secure wider endorsement of the Montreux Document and support its implementation. The Montreux+5 conference will first identify good practices that have proven useful and address the implementation challenges ahead. It will then discuss ways to establish more regular dialogue between the signatories of the Montreux Document.
Further information:
Private military and security companies
Participating States of the Montreux Document
Opening speech by Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter “The Montreux Document – Switzerland's Perspective”
Address for enquiries:
Information FDFA
Bundeshaus West
CH-3003 Bern
Tel.: +41 58 462 31 53
Fax: +41 58 464 90 47
E-Mail: info@eda.admin.ch
