Regulation and Oversight
Information about National Regulations and Regional and International Initiatives.
The International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (ICoC)
The International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (ICoC) is aimed directly at private security companies. Its members ‘commit to the responsible provision of Security Services so as to support the rule of law, respect the human rights/humanitarian law, and protect the interests of their clients.’ The ICoC applies primarily to security services delivered in complex environments. Nevertheless, the standards and recommendations are also valid other contexts.
The International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA), is a multi-stakeholder initiative consisting of three pillars representing states, private security companies (PSCs) and civil society organisations (CSOs). All members (i.e. States, private security companies and civil society organizations) participate in the ICoCA General Assembly and have equal representation on the Board of Directors - the executive decision-making body of the Association, which comprises 12 elected members.
The Association aims to promote, direct and supervise the implementation of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers through:
- the certification of member companies to ICoC standards;
- the review of company self-assessments and the monitoring and evaluation of member private security company compliance with the ICoC; and
- the processing of complaints about alleged violations of the ICoC by member private security companies.
Relevance for CSOs
The ICoC principles can help CSOs to engage with PSCs to encourage them to provide security services in a responsible manner that respects the rule of law and human rights. The ICoC defines a common set of principles for PSCs and lays the groundwork for translating these principles into standards and mechanisms of governance and oversight: these principles can guide CSO advocacy and awareness-raising activities.
The ICoCA also provides inspiration and support to CSOs in their role of monitoring and managing of complaints as well as in supporting victims. CSOs are encouraged to contact the ICoCA in case of alleged complaints and also to become a member of the Association. The members of the ICoCA support the Code to improve governance, compliance with standards and the accountability of private security. Member companies are committed to working together to increase compliance worldwide with international rules and standards for the provision of private security services.
With respect to the ICoCA’s reporting, monitoring and evaluation (‘performance assessment’) functions, CSO members of the ICoCA are essential sources of information on the ground to verify or provide data on compliance with ICoC principles in operations conducted by PSCs. Regarding the ICoCA’s function of examining complaints, CSOs can provide valuable information on existing complaints, or themselves file new complaints to the ICoCA to ensure fair and equitable remedies.
CSOs are encouraged to become members of the ICoCA by contacting the Association directly (info@icoca.ch).
For more information: www.icoca.ch/
