ICoCA Newsletter November-December 2024: "Shaping the evolving landscape of human rights and private security"

 

It is becoming clearer, though it is hard to believe that further clarity was necessary, that non-state actors  have come increasingly to rely on private armies (by whatever nane one may find it prudent or fashionable to call them). Everyone, from officials in the United States who feel the need for additional security (whatever policing policies at whatever finding and training levels they have put in place), to civil society organizations operating in places where the civil authority may not extend what they view as a n adequate level of security, to business enterprises (along supply chains for example) and religious organizations (for example religious groups targeted for political action by others)  seeking to protect their on the ground assets and personnel in places where state security (at least as provided them) may not be sufficient.    

In that context the architecture of law and norms at the international level--and the corresponding need for self-policing among those who either produce or consume security services--becomes more acute. To those ends the ICoCA has for years served as a space where such activities might be undertaken, aligning security realities with sensitivity to legal compliance and international law and norms. Their November-December 2024 Newsletter provides a good summary of the state of that enterprise at the dawn of the 2nd Trump Administration and for that reason alone is worth considering.

It follows below (with links to the relevant documents). A French version of this newsletter is available here.

Shaping the evolving landscape of human rights and private security

ICoCA made significant strides in the last quarter of 2024 with the launch of its new Strategic Plan and a Toolkit for the responsible use of technology. Our updated Member Directory showcases our growing network, while the opening of new offices and the appointment of a new Board Director set the stage for an exciting new chapter in our work to strengthen responsible security practices worldwide.     ICoCA's vision for the next 5 years At the 11th Annual General Assembly in December 2024, ICoCA introduced its Strategic Plan for 2024-2030.  The new Strategic Plan is designed to position ICoCA as the leading platform for setting international standards at the cross section of private security and human rights, and ensuring compliance with human rights and international humanitarian law in the private security sector. The Plan is structured around five key priorities: Regionalisation Working conditions Just transition New technologies Accountability Read our strategic plan Adapting to an evolving landscape Toolkit for responsible tech use New year, new Member Directory! In partnership with ICT4Peace, ICoCA launched a comprehensive Toolkit to guide private security companies (PSCs) in the ethical and responsible use of technology. This resource helps PSCs of all sizes navigate the evolving impacts of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on human rights. Featuring 12 interconnected yet standalone tools, the Toolkit addresses key aspects of ICT use, empowering PSCs to operate with integrity and respect for human rights. ICoCA's 2025 Member Directory is here, highlighting ICoCA’s impact and the contributions of our partners in promoting responsible private security globally. It provides an overview of ICoCA’s services and benefits for PSCs and clients, and a comprehensive listing of Members, Affiliates and Observers. This resource strengthens ICoCA's brand, extends our reach and helps clients integrate ICoCA membership into their security practices. ICoCA in action In Q4 2024, ICoCA engaged with key stakeholders, supporting industry leaders and working to strengthen security standards across notably the mining and maritime sectors while conducting due diligence to ensure responsible practices. Strengthening security partnership in West Africa In early October 2024, our Executive Director, Jamie Williamson, visited Accra, where he attended the West Africa Mining Security Conference. He engaged with industry experts, CSOs and local security providers, and held productive meetings with PSCs aiming to collaborate with ICoCA on promoting responsible security practices. This visit reinforced the growing importance of private security in the region. Empowering Uganda's security leaders ICoCA was in Uganda in November 2024, training over 70 directors and senior managers from PSCs. Partnering with TUPSA (Ugandan private security association), we helped industry leaders align with global standards, enhance safety and promote human rights. This initiative addressed concerns over security training quality and supports Uganda’s efforts to improve its private security sector’s global competitiveness. Strengthening private security's role in the maritime sector On 18-19 November 2024, ICoCA’s Executive Director attended Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue in India, highlighting ICoCA’s commitment to responsible security practices in the maritime sector. This event focused on aligning security practices with industry goals and human rights, addressing challenges like piracy, geopolitical tensions and climate change. Read Jamie Williamson's conference paper Protecting Peru's formal mining At the end of November, the Instituto de Criminología y Estudios sobre la Violencia, an ICoCA CSO Member, presented the study “Threats to Formal Mining” at the Swiss Embassy in Lima. Commissioned by ICoCA, the study examines evolving threats to Peru's mining sector and the effectiveness of policies, aiming to support informed decision-making on emerging security challenges. Read the study (in Spanish) Due diligence for responsible security in Tanzania ICoCA visited Tanzania in December 2024 to engage with Member and Affiliate companies, key stakeholders and Barrick Gold at the North Mara Gold Mine. As part of our due diligence exercise, we met with private security, mine management, public security, civil society and local communities. In high-risk environments, a commitment to responsible security and community engagement is crucial for sustainable solutions. ICoCA's new sustainable home ICoCA has relocated to its brand-new office! Situated in the Green Village district of Grand-Saconnex, near Geneva, the Kyoto Building embodies a significant milestone in sustainable real estate in Switzerland, perfectly aligning with ICoCA's values. If you're in the area, feel free to drop by and say hi! Kyoto Building 4th Floor Chemin du Pommier 42 CH-1218 Grand-Saconnex Geneva, Switzerland Welcome on (the) Board! The ICoCA Board is saying goodbye to one of its Board Director, Crispin Kennedy (representing UK & Europe in the Industry Pillar), after two years of devoted service. The Board and the Secretariat want to express their sincere gratitude to Crispin for the productive work achieved together and look forward to continued cooperation outside the Board's framework. At the same time, the Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the appointment of Didier Ranchon as a new Board Director. ICoCA looks forward to working with Didier and benefiting from his unique perspectives. Read Didier Ranchon, VP of Institutional Affairs at AMARANTE International, interview. You can view the full composition of the ICoCA Board of Directors here. Membership and certification Member monitoring ICoCA handles complaints and monitors its Members and Affiliates regarding their compliance with the Code through remote tracking, mandatory reporting, in person site visits and through its civil society network. ICoCA is regularly publishing data on its monitoring and complaints functions, including allegations received. To read the 2024 monitoring update, click here. Membership update ICoCA was pleased to welcome 11 new Certified Members, Transitional Members and Affiliates from October to December 2024: Avant Guard Security, DRC (Affiliate) Black Horse Security Services, Iraq (Affiliate) Envag Associates (K) Ltd, Kenya (Affiliate) Al Etehad Consulting & Security Services, Iraq (Certified Member) GE-Securité, Switzerland (Transitional Member) Global Security Services Group, UAE (Transitional Member) London Security Services, UK (Affiliate) Modus Concept Group, UAE (Transitional Member) Novasep, Colombia (Certified Member) ProNile Risk Management Security Company Limited, South Sudan (Affiliate) Reed Security & Logistics, Somalia (Transitional Member) You can find the full Membership update for Q4 2024 here. Board meeting minutes The minutes of the Q3 2024 Board of Directors meeting, which took place on 24/09/2024, are available here.   All previous minutes are available on the ICoCA website.