Global lessons on regulating private security

South Africa has controversial draft legislation for regulating the private security industry. What can be learnt from international experience?

Date: 2016-05-31

Time: 14:00 to 16:00

Venue: Conference room , ISS Pretoria , Block C , Brooklyn Court , map

RSVP: Helen Chanda
Phone: +27 12 346 9500
Email: [email protected]

Globally the number of private security companies has grown over the past few decades along with the use of private military and security companies in armed conflicts. This puts the safety of civilians at risk given that private companies are seldom held to the same standards of accountability as public security agencies.

South Africa is not alone in trying to better regulate its private security industry. The Montreux Document supported by the EU, NATO, Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and 53 states, including South Africa, emphasises that international law applies to private military and security companies, and provides practical options for oversight and control.

Two highly experienced experts will discuss international efforts to regulate the industry and lessons for South Africa as it grapples with its controversial Private Security Industry Regulation Amendment Bill.

Chair: Gareth Newham, Head, Governance, Crime and Justice Division, ISS

Speakers:

• Ambassador Valentin Zellweger, Director General of Public International Law and Legal Advisor to the Swiss Foreign Ministry
• Ambassador Abdul Minty, former Permanent Representative of South Africa to the UN Office, Geneva and Convener of the Council of the South Centre, Geneva