UK government calls public consultation on mercenary regulations
The consultation is now closed
The UK government is currently holding a public consultation on its proposal for the regulation of private military security companies (PMSCs). This means that you get a chance to tell the government what you think of its proposals. The government has to publish a summary of all the responses it receives and respond accordingly.
The consultation ends on 17 July 2009. War on Want urges you to take part in it and let your voice be heard.
Take part in the consultation and tell the government that a voluntary code for mercenaries is not acceptable.
The government is proposing that a code of conduct be drawn up jointly with PMSCs and monitored through the British Association of Private Security Companies. This is the industry body that was set up to provide legitimacy and PR for mercenary groups seeking to rebrand themselves as the 'respectable' private security sector. It is hardly a choice to inspire confidence among those who have suffered from human rights violations committed by PMSCs.
The British government has jettisoned all the available regulatory options in favour of the worst possible alternative: a voluntary code which, by definition, companies are free to ignore if they wish.
Instead, War on Want is calling on the UK government to ban PMSCs from participating in all combat and combat support operations.
The dangers of privatising the use of violence in war zones has been clearly illustrated by the repeated human rights abuses perpetrated by mercenaries, including the indiscriminate killing of civilians and torture. Legally binding regulation is the only meaningful way to hold this controversial industry to account.
War on Want believes that self-regulation is not an option. Make your voice heard during the public consultation and take action to ensure PMSCs are properly held to account.
- Take part in the consultation and tell the government that a voluntary code for mercenaries is not acceptable.
- Write to your MP telling them to sign the Early Day Motion no.1537 and oppose the government's plans for a voluntary code. You can find your MP at the theyworkforyou website.
