Twice a year, the Working Group on the use of mercenaries issues calls for inputs to inform thematic studies to be presented at the Human Rights Council in its September session and at the General Assembly in October.

On 20 July 2017, the Working Group convened an expert consultation entitled “private military and security companies in extractive industries – impact on human rights”. As indicated in the concept note , the event focused on two main segments: 1. Extractive industries and PMSCs in conflict settings, and 2. Good practices, existing regulatory framework, and accountability /remedies for human rights abuses.

Building on this event and on the work undertaken by other United Nations human rights mechanisms and civil society organizations regarding the impact of the extractive industries on the enjoyment of human rights (e.g., Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples, A/HRC/24/41, 2013), the Working Group dedicated this thematic reports on the specific role that private military and security companies (PMSCs) play in extractive industries.

On 25 September 2019, the Working Group on the use of mercenaries released a note calling for transparency and oversight for security arrangements in extractive industries.