On 9 November 2010, 58 private security companies met to sign an international Code of Conduct (“International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers – ICoC”) in which they pledged to respect human rights in their activities and to comply with international humanitarian law. The multi-stakeholder initiative for this document, the first of its kind, was launched jointly by Switzerland and supported by private security companies, as well as various industry associations, government customers, humanitarian and civil society organizations.

This Code of Conduct requires Signatory Companies to comply with human rights when providing security services in areas where the rule of law has been undermined. The code also requires that Signatory Companies comply with all applicable laws, including local, regional and/or national laws. The Code contains important provisions on the appropriate use of force by these companies as well as prohibitions on certain activities, such as the use of force except in self-defense, torture, discrimination and human trafficking. It also sets out management commitments that will help ensure that the personnel of private security companies observe the code and require the implementation of certain good practices regarding the recruitment and training of personnel as well as requiring in-company reporting and monitoring mechanisms. The Code of Conduct is also the basis for the development of an independent governance and oversight mechanism which will introduce measurable standards and certification and ensure there is oversight over companies in their implementation of the Code of Conduct principles.

The Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers aims to set industry principles and standards based on international human rights and humanitarian law, as well as to improve the transparency and responsibility of the industry. By February 2012, more than 300 security companies had signed the ICoC with continuing industry support and more companies continuing to sign.

 Media Release, 09.11.2010
 International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers
 International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (pdf, 3619 Kb)
 Fact Sheet ICoC (pdf, 108 Kb)
 ICoC