International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service ProvidersICoC Timeline
The Montreux Document on private military and security companies
The Montreux Document is the first international document to describe international law as it applies to the activities of private military and security companies (PMSCs) whenever these are present in the context of an armed conflict. It also contains a compilation of good practices designed to assist states in implementing their obligations under international law through a series of national measures. As a whole, the Montreux Document gives expression to the consensus that international law, in particular international humanitarian law and human rights law - does have a bearing on PMSCs and that there is no legal vacuum for their activities. The document is intended to serve as a guide on the legal and practical issues raised by PMSCs. In so doing, it makes reference to already existing international legal obligations. It does not create new ones and is itself a legally non-binding document. The Montreux Document is the result of an initiative launched jointly by Switzerland and the ICRC in early 2006. There are currently 37 participating States of the Montreux Document.
March 2009
Industry workshop “Working towards an International PMSC Code of Conduct”, in London, UK
Part of the first phase of the project to elaborate a Code of Conduct for PMSCs. Gathering representatives of industry together to identify the elements essential to effective regulation and accountability mechanisms.
April 2009
Civil Society Workshop “Working towards an International PMSC Code of Conduct”, in Geneva, Switzerland
Part of the first phase of the project to elaborate a Code of Conduct for PMSCs. Gathering representatives of civil society together to identify the elements essential to effective regulation and accountability mechanisms.
May 2009
Clients, States and International Organizations Workshop “Working towards an International PMSC Code of Conduct”, in Geneva, Switzerland
Part of the first phase of the project to elaborate a Code of Conduct for PMSCs, gathering together entities that use PMSCs and/or those that set standards for them, to identify the elements essential to effective regulation and accountability mechanisms.
June 2009
Nyon Declaration
A multistakeholder conference was held in Nyon, Switzerland. At the conclusion of the conference, the industry representatives present issued a joint statement, known as the “Nyon Declaration”:
Mindful of the Montreux Document which focused on the obligations of states and situations of armed conflict, and following discussions at the Nyon conference, the industry representatives now present at the conference consider it time to pursue and develop an international code of conduct for the companies themselves in all situations. Following a collective process involving pertinent stakeholders, we have achieved a broad consensus that an international code of conduct must be compliant with Human Rights and IHL. Further, there is a clear necessity for effective oversight, accountability and operational standards in such a code. Together with their involved partners, the Swiss government has played a crucial role in ensuring this process is inclusive, valid and dynamic. We see this process as an opportunity to enhance our ability to address broader stakeholder concerns and to serve all our clients, government and otherwise, in a transparent, professional and ethical manner.
On this basis, Switzerland started the work of developing an International Code of Conduct together with its partners, the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights (ADH) and the Democratic Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF).
September 2009
Multi-stakeholder Meeting in London, UK
Discussion about an International Accountability Mechanism / Code of Conduct
October 2010
Brief "Holding Military and Security Contractors Accountable: the Call for a Global Code of Conduct" in New York, USA
Briefing organized by Human Rights First and DCAF about the gap in international standards and norms for the provision of private security services and the development of a global Code of Conduct.
January 2010
Release of first draft for comment
The first draft released in January 2010 was a product of the series of workshops and consultations with industry associations, corporations, the governments of the United Kingdom and the United States, other stakeholders and relevant experts.
February 2010
Workshop “Review of Private Security Contractor Global Code of Conduct”, in Washington DC, USA
This meeting, hosted by USIP, had the purpose of reviewing the draft Code of Conduct, in particular with the participation of civil society and humanitarian relief organizations.
March 2010
Government Workshop “Working towards a Code of Conduct to respect human rights by private security provider” in Geneva, Switzerland
The workshop aimed to deepen the understanding of the Code of Conduct for States supporting the Montreux Document and other interested stakeholders.
April 2010
Meeting “Encouraging Respect of Human Rights – Working towards a Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers” in Geneva, Switzerland
This meeting gathered governments and international organizations, practitioners with a security background, non-governmental clients of private security, civil society groups either as clients or with a watchdog or advocacy function, and academics. The objective of the meeting was to provide an update to participants on the Draft Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers.
May 2010
Multi-stakeholder Meetings in London, U.K.
DCAF conducted several briefings in London in order to address the insurance industry, UK based security providers, and civil society.
Summer 2010
Circulation of comments received
The initial draft circulated in January received wide feedback - over 200 pages of comments – that were circulated publicly.
Release of second draft for comment
September 2010
Industry Meeting “International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers” in London, UK
The primary objective of this meeting was to review the draft text section by section and to resolve as far as possible any major obstacles to agreement. The meeting also served as further outreach to industry that had not yet participated in the drafting.
September 2010
Multi-stakeholder Workshop in Washington DC, USA
This workshop invited representatives of the industry and governments, with the objective to explain the importance of the Code to industry and allow them to input into the drafting.
September 2010
Multi-stakeholder Workshop in Chavannes-de-Bogis, Switzerland
This workshop invited representatives of industries, governments, experts, civil society and clients with the objectives to finalize the Code of Conduct and set the stage for the adoption conference in November 2010. At this meeting the final version of the text was negotiated and adopted.
November 2010
Signatory Ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland with 58 PSCs signing
The ICoC is signed by 58 companies on 9 November 2010 in Geneva, Switzerland. International organizations, civil society, states and other clients showed their support with public statements. By signing, Signatory Companies have publicly affirmed their responsibility to respect the human rights of, and fulfill humanitarian responsibilities towards, all those affected by their business activities, and have committed to operate in accordance with the Code. Further, companies and stakeholders agreed to establish a Steering Committee, responsible for initiating the development of an external independent mechanism for effective governance and oversight. This mechanism - together with established measureable standards - is intended to form the basis for implementing the International Code of Conduct.
January 2011
The Steering Committee began its work
As agreed in November 2010, the 9-member interim Steering Committee began its work. It comprises members coming from the three principal stakeholder communities – signatory companies, governments and civil society – with each stakeholder community should have equal representation on the Steering Committee.
December 2010
Launch of www.icoc-psp.org
The facilitator of the process DCAF launched a website www.icoc-psp.org in order to serve as a focal point and portal for all ICoC activities and to keep all the interested stakeholders informed about the developments.
January 2011
TSC Meeting
The first full meeting for the Steering Committee took place on 31 January 2011 in Washington D.C. where the Steering Committee agreed on its rules of procedures.
February 2011
TSC Meeting
The second meeting of the Steering Committee was held by teleconference on 28 February 2011.
March 2011
TSC Meeting
The third meeting of the Steering Committee was held by teleconference on 28 March 2011.
March 2011
Release of Work Plan for constituting an independent governance and oversight mechanism
Pursuant to Part C, Section 11 of the ICoC, the Steering Committee released a work plan for constituting the independent governance and oversight mechanism. This Work Plan outlined the agreed process and schedule to be followed by the TSC as it develops the governance and oversight mechanism and the documents required by Section 11 of the ICoC.
May 2011
TSC Meeting
The fourth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 3 May 2011 by teleconference.
May 2011
TSC Meeting
The fifth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 26 May 2011 in London, UK.
May 2011
Release of Working Group Guidelines
The Steering Committee tasked three working groups with answering specific questions under three broad categories: (1) Assessment, Reporting, and Internal & External Oversight; (2) Resolution of Third Party Grievances; and (3) Independent Governance & Oversight Mechanism Structure, Governance, and Funding. The Steering Committee appreciated the fact to need to draw on the wider experience of individuals and organizations in the stakeholder groups and the recommendations resulting from the Working Groups. The Working Group started their work mainly by telephone conference and email exchange by June 2011 and handed in their reports to the Steering Committee by August 2011.
June 2011
TSC Meeting
The sixth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 29 June 2011 in London, UK.
July 2011
TSC Meeting
The seventh meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 13-14 July 2011 in Washington, D.C.
June – August 2011
Working Groups Activities
The three different Working Group held in total almost 30 meetings, telephone conferences, and expert briefings. Members of the Working Groups consisted of representatives from industry, civil society, governments, and experts. Further details on these meetings can be found on the Working Groups page.
September 2011
TSC Meeting
The eight meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 1-2 September 2011 in Washington, D.C.
September 2011
TSC Meeting
The ninth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 26-28 September 2011 in London, UK
October 2011
TSC Meeting
The tenth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 6 October 2011 by teleconference.
October 2011
TSC Meeting
The eleventh meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 20 October 2011 by teleconference.
October 2011
TSC Meeting
The twelfth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 27 - 28 October 2011 in Washington, D.C.
November 2011
TSC Meeting
The thirteenth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 15 November 2011 by teleconference.
November 2011
TSC Meeting
The fourteenth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 22 November 2011 by teleconference.
November 2011
TSC Meeting
The fifteenth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 30 November - 2 December 2011 in Geneva, Switzerland.
December 2011
TSC Meeting
The sixteenth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 8 December 2011 by teleconference.
January 2012
TSC Meeting
The seventeenth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 9 - 13 January 2012 in Washington D.C.
January 2012
Release of Draft Charter for the Oversight Mechanism of the ICoC
The Draft Charter for the Oversight Mechanism of the ICoC is open for stakeholder for review and comment. Also available is an Explanatory Note that sets out an overview of what the Draft Charter aims to cover. Both have been prepared by the Temporary Steering Committee of the ICoC. The consultation is open until 31 March 2012, comments may be submitted online.
February 2012
Briefings on the Draft Charter for the Oversight Mechanism of the ICoC
The purpose of the meeting was to provide an overview of what the oversight mechanism proposed by the draft charter sought to do, and set-out opportunities for engagement in the run up to and upon, its establishment. The meetings were held on the 6th and 7th of February 2012 in Geneva, Switzerland.
March 2012
Two events in Lancaster House in London discussing inter alia the ICoC in London, UK
On 5 March 2012 the Inaugural Conference of the Security in Complex Environments Group (SCEG) and on 6 March 2012 a forum on international developments on regulating the private security sector working in complex environments, organized by the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
March 2012
Briefing for Civil Society on the Draft Charter and the Next Steps in Washington, D.C.
The purpose of the meeting was to provide an overview of what the oversight mechanism proposed by the draft charter sought to do, and set-out opportunities for engagement in the run up to and upon, its establishment. The meeting was held on 13 March 2012 in Washington DC.
March 2012
Briefing for international organizations security managers on the Draft Charter and the Next Steps in Geneva, Switzerland
The purpose of the meeting was to provide an overview of what the oversight mechanism proposed by the draft charter sought to do, and set-out opportunities for engagement in the run up to and upon, its establishment. The meeting was held on 13 March 2012 in Geneva, Switzerland.
March 2012
End of comment period for the Draft Charter
The comment period for the Draft Charter closed on 31st March 2012. Comments were received from nearly 40 organizations or individuals, coming from the full range of stakeholders. The comments received are available here.
April 2012
TSC Meeting
The eighteenth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 4 April 2012 by teleconference.
April 2012
TSC Meeting
The nineteenth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 17 April 2012 by teleconference.
April 2012
TSC Meeting
The twentieth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 24 April 2012 by teleconference.
May 2012
TSC Meeting
The twenty-first meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 4 May 2012 by teleconference.
May 2012
TSC Meeting
The twenty-second meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 7/8 May 2012 in London, UK.
May 2012
TSC Meeting
The twenty-third meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 16 May 2012 by teleconference.
May 2012
TSC Meeting
The twenty-forth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 21 May 2012 by teleconference.
May 2012
Outreach Event in London, UK
On 23 May 2012 the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office invited on behalf of the TSC to a discussion of the draft charter for the ICoC Oversight Mechanism.
May 2012
Outreach Event in Washington, D.C.
On 29 May 2012 the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C. invited on behalf of the TSC to a discussion of the draft charter for the ICoC Oversight Mechanism.
June 2012
TSC Meeting
The twenty-fifth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 5-7 June 2012 in Washington, D.C.
June 2012
TSC Meeting
The twenty-sixth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 12 June 2012 by teleconference.
June 2012
TSC Meeting
The twenty-seventh meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 19 June 2012 by teleconference.
June 2012
TSC Meeting
The twenty-eight meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 27 June 2012 by teleconference.
July 2012
TSC Meeting
The twenty-ninth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 3 July 2012 by teleconference.
July 2012
TSC Meeting
The thirtieth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 10 July 2012 by teleconference.
July 2012
TSC Meeting
The thirty-first meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 17 July 2012 by teleconference.
July 2012
TSC Meeting
The thirty-second meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 24/25 July 2012 in Washington, D.C.
August 2012
TSC Meeting
The thirty-third meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 7 August 2012 by teleconference.
August 2012
TSC Meeting
The thirty-fourth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 14 August 2012 by teleconference.
August 2012
TSC Meeting
The thirty-fifth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 16 August 2012 by teleconference.
August 2012
TSC Meeting
The thirty-sixth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 20 August 2012 by teleconference.
August 2012
TSC Meeting
The thirty-seventh meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 28 August 2012 by teleconference.
September 2012
TSC Meeting
The thirty-eighth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 4 September 2012 by teleconference.
September 2012
TSC Meeting
The thirty-ninth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 5 September 2012 by teleconference.
September 2012
TSC Meeting & Expanded TSC Meeting
The fortieth meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 10-13 September 2012 in London, UK.
An expanded TSC meeting was held on 12 September 2012 in London, UK.
September 2012
Expanded TSC Meeting
An expanded TSC meeting was held on 20 September 2012 in Washington, D.C.
October 2012
TSC Meeting
The forty-first meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 2 October 2012 by teleconference.
October 2012
TSC Meeting
The forty-second meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 16 October 2012 by teleconference.
October 2012
TSC Meeting
The forty-third meeting of the Steering Committee was held on 23 October 2012 by teleconference.
January 2013
Release of the Draft Second Draft of the Charter for the Oversight Mechanism
February 2013
Drafting Conference in Montreux of the final charter of the governance and oversight mechanism to the ICoC - Agreement of the text of the Articles of Association which will establish the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers Association.