Before the UN Human Rights Council, the ICJ today welcomed progress in the elaboration of a Regulatory Framework for the activities of private military and security companies, and calledfor respect of human rights in counter-terrorism.
The statement reads as follows:
“Mr President,
The ICJ also welcomes the Progress Report (A/HRC/51/40) on the third session of the open-ended intergovernmental working group to elaborate the content of an international regulatory framework for the activities private military and security companies, and the progress in negotiations on the basis of the “zero draft”.
The ICJ reiterates its view that a binding international regulatory framework is necessary and beneficial for the prevention of violations of humanitarian law and human rights violations and abuses involving private military and security companies. In this context, the organization underscores the need for a victim-centred approach and an emphasis on the right to an effective remedy and reparations.
The ICJ calls for the international regulatory framework’s second draft to be produced in a transparent and participatory manner.
The ICJ expresses its support for the next steps, and looks forward to remaining engaged in this process.
During this session, the Council will discuss an updated resolution on “terrorism and human rights”. The ICJ considers that the resolution should state unequivocally that States’ obligation to respect and ensure the centrality of the rule of law and human rights in all their actions extends to all laws and measures they adopt with the stated view of countering terrorism.
In particular, the resolution should avoid resorting to vague concepts, such as “extremism”, and focus solely on the “terrorism” phenomenon.
I thank you.”
Contact:
Massimo Frigo, ICJ UN Representative, e: massimo.frigo(a)icj.org, t: +41797499949