Second session of the intergovernmental working group on private military and security companies

Second session of the intergovernmental working group on private military and security companies

The ICJ made a written submission and presented several oral statements during the second session of the open-ended intergovernmental working group (IGWG).From 13 to 17 August 2012, the second session of the open-ended intergovernmental working group (IGWG) to consider the possibility of an international regulatory framework on the regulation, monitoring and oversight of the activities of private military and security companies (PMSCs) was held in Geneva, pursuant to the mandate given to the IGWG under Human Rights Council resolution 15/26 (2010). The ICJ was amongst a small number of NGOs participating in this second session.

High level discussion on advancing human rights and business in the Human Rights Council

High level discussion on advancing human rights and business in the Human Rights Council

On 21 June 2012 the ICJ held a parallel event on advancing business and human rights in the Human Rights Council. The summary note of this event can be found here.The panel was moderated by Professor Marco Sassoli and included Professor Andrew Clapham, Dr. Michael Addo, Ms Harriet Berg and Ms Rachel Groux-Nurnberg, as speakers.

The event was convened in order to provide delegations and civil society with a forum to explore ways for further enhancing international standards within the Human Rights Council on the issue of businesses’ human rights responsibilities.

Over 50 participants, including representatives from affected communities, civil society, international organisations and members of the diplomatic community in Geneva attended.

ICJ-HRC20-Summary Note of Parallel Event on Business and HR-event-2012

Advancing human rights and business in the work of the Human Rights Council

Advancing human rights and business in the work of the Human Rights Council

The ICJ recalls the three main issues proposed by a number of civil society organizations as priorities for the Working Group. These priority issues are: (1) to explore the further development of international standards; (2) to improve access to remedies, and in particular access to justice for victims of human rights abuses; and (3) to address the impact of business on indigenous people and other vulnerable groups.

The ICJ urges the Human Rights Council and the Working Group to:

  • pay special attention to the need for State regulation of corporations and other business enterprises;
  • pay special attention to the need to ensure access to justice and effective remedies and reparations to victims;
  • ensure its activities do not foreclose the elaboration of further international standards and;
  • take fully into account the Maastricht Principles in their work.

Human Rights Council-20th session-non-legal submission-2012 (full text, PDF)

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