Business & Security Hub

DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance
Business and Security Division

Chemin Eugène-Rigot 2E
1202 Geneva - Switzerland
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Tel: +41 22 730 94 18
Fax:+41 22 730 94 05
E-mail: bsdivision@dcaf.ch

Regulating private military and security companies in Latin America and the Caribbean: Regional Meeting of the Montreux Document Forum (MDF)

Participation reached more than 100 participants from 31 countries (22 LAC countries) as well as high-level representatives of the Central American Integration System (SICA), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the United Nations (UN), and the European Union (EU), civil society, industry, and academic experts. ©Costa Rica Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship

DCAF in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the International Committee of the Red Cross supported the first ever Regional Meeting of the Montreux Document Forum (MDF) in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region. This regional meeting was hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica. The event aimed to raise awareness of 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 and the Montreux Document Forum (MDF) and to discuss its added value for regulation of private military and security companies (PMSCS) activities in the region.

During the closing session, Panama announced its support on joining the Montreux Document, becoming the 55th State, joining 5 other States from the LAC region (Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, and Uruguay). By supporting the Montreux Document and participating in the MDF, States and international and regional organisations have the opportunity to benefit from practical implementation tools, shared experiences, and the support of an international community committed to improving PMSC regulation. Read more.