Private actors are increasingly used to provide security, military and intelligence services around the world. They have the potential to significantly impact on the maintenance of security as well as the protection of, and respect for, human rights. This poses significant challenges to existing regulation, raising questions not only about what standards should govern this industry but also how to effectively oversee and hold private military and security companies (PMSCs) accountable to these standards. DCAF supports a number of initiatives aimed at meeting these challenges.

• Since 2008, DCAF has been involved in the development of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers(ICoC), signed in Geneva in November 2010. The ICoC, which outlines a set of principles in compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law, has been voluntarily adopted by a large number of PMSCs and is backed by major purchasers of their security services. DCAF is currently involved in establishing independent mechanisms for effective implementation, governance and oversight of the ICoC.
• DCAF has worked since 2006 with the Swiss Government to develop the Montreux Document on Pertinent International Legal Obligations and Good Practices for States related to Operations of Private Military and Security Companies during Armed Conflict. This document, finalised in 2008, has since been endorsed by a number of states from around the globe and is the first international instrument to describe international law as it applies to the activities of private military and security companies whenever these are present in the context of an armed conflict. DCAF continues to raise awareness of the Montreux Document amongst governments in various regions around the world.
•  DCAF also monitors the existing laws and regulations applicable to PMSCs on an international, sub-regional, national and sub-national level, and engages with other organisations – including the United Nations – in other efforts to monitor and regulate these companies.