Summary

The Working Group visited Switzerland from 13 to 17 May 2019. Pursuant to its mandate, the Working Group’s visit focused on private military and security companies on the one hand and mercenary and mercenary-related activities on the other hand. With respect to regulating private military and security services, Switzerland has been at the forefront of several international initiatives and has also taken concrete action to prevent the risks that are associated with exporting such services abroad by putting in place relevant federal legislation. This commitment is commendable, and brings expectations for continued Swiss strategic leadership and support in this area. The Working Group notes the importance of continuing to raising awareness about, and implementing, the federal legislation in its current broad scope, and of the need to move the relevant international initiatives towards more practical impact on the ground.

The present report addresses domestic regulation of private security providers where diverse practices exist at the cantonal level demonstrating the need for a nationwide framework. The lack of uniform standards within the industry represents a particular concern as the number of private security personnel outnumbers police officers and there is a growing market for private security services, including through contracts with public authorities in sensitive areas, such as asylum centres. The Working Group also considered legislation covering mercenaries and related actors.

After outlining its findings, the Working Group makes recommendations concerning private military and security services provided abroad and domestically, and mercenary and mercenary-related activities.