Event information

7 December 2022, 14:00-15:30

Private Military Companies and the Future of Conflict

Event

A Blackwater Security Company MD-530F helicopter aids in securing the site of a car bomb explosion in Baghdad, Iraq, on December 4, 2004, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM A Blackwater Security Company MD-530F helicopter aids in securing the site of a car bomb explosion in Baghdad, Iraq, on December 4, 2004, during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM

Private military companies (PMCs) are playing an increasingly high-profile role in many conflict settings around the world. The war in Ukraine and evidence of Russian mercenaries in a growing number of countries, raise serious questions about accountability and remedy. Security companies, military contractors, mercenaries… what distinguishes these different categories of private actors? What role do PMCs play, can they operate responsibly, what are the laws applicable and how can they be held to account?

This panel discussion – co-organized with the International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA) and part of its Annual General Assembly – will consider the growing importance of PMCs and what role, if any, ICoCA, law and regulation might play in promoting human rights observance and strengthening accountability in what is often considered an opaque and disreputable industry.

Moderator

  • Jamie Williamson, Executive Director, ICoCA

Panelists

  • Gloria Gaggioli, Director, Geneva Academy and Associate/SNF Professor, University of Geneva
  • Alessandro Arduino, Principal Research Fellow, Middle East Institute (MEI), National University of Singapore and Associate, Lau China Institute, King’s College London
  • Sorcha MacLeod, Marie Curie Fellow and Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen and Chair, United Nations Working Group on Mercenaries
  • Ori Swed, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, Texas Tech University

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

Mô Bleeker News

UNSG Special Adviser Mô Bleeker Becomes Senior Fellow at the Geneva Academy

15 April 2025

Mô Bleeker, UNSG Special Adviser on the Responsibility to Protect, shares how her work as Senior Fellow at the Geneva Academy contributes to our shared goals.

Read more

News

The Jean-Pictet Competition: Learning Beyond the Classroom

10 December 2024

Each year, the Geneva Academy sends a team of students to the Jean-Pictet Competition. Participating in this leading moot court is a life-changing experience and an integral part of our programmes.

Read more

Event

Strengths and Challenges of Inter-State Applications Before the European Court of Human Rights

22 May 2025, 18:30-20:00

In this Geneva Academy Talk Judge Lətif Hüseynov will discuss the challenges of inter-State cases under the ECHR, especially amid rising conflict-related applications.

Read more

Warzone Event

Advanced IHL Seminar for Academics and Policymakers

25-29 August 2025, 09:00-17:30

Co-hosted with the ICRC, this event aims to enhance the capacity of academics to teach and research international humanitarian law, while also equipping policymakers with an in-depth understanding of ongoing legal debates.

Read more

Open dump Training

Protecting Human Rights and the Environment

15-19 September 2025

Participants in this training course will gain practical insights into UN human rights mechanisms and their role in environmental protection and learn about how to address the interplay between international human rights and environmental law, and explore environmental litigation paths.

Read more

Asian workers working at technology production factory with industrial machines Training

Business and Human Rights

19-23 May 2025

This training course will examine how the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have been utilized to advance the concept of business respect for human rights throughout the UN system, the impact of the Guiding Principles on other international organizations, as well as the impact of standards and guidance developed by these different bodies.

Read more

Computer screen with warning: civilian infrastucture: do not attack Project

The Digitalization of Armed Conflict

Started in September 2020

This project will explore humanitarian consequences and protection needs caused by the digitalization of armed conflicts and the extent to which these needs are addressed by international law, especially international humanitarian law.

Read more

Neutrotechology Project

Neurotechnology and Human Rights

Started in August 2023

This project addresses the human rights implications stemming from the development of neurotechnology for commercial, non-therapeutic ends, and is based on a partnership between the Geneva Academy, the Geneva University Neurocentre and the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee. 

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

War on Minorities’ Under the Guise of Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism

published on December 2024

Beatrice Meretti

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

Navigating Pathways Toward Transitional Justice in Ukraine

published on October 2024

Robin van der Lugt, Chhime Namdol Sherpa

Read more