The Federal Council concludes an agreement on privileges and immunities with the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers’ Association
Bern, 18.11.2019 - On 18 November 2019 Switzerland and the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers’ Association (ICoCA) signed an agreement on the privileges and immunities accorded to the association in Switzerland. ICoCA plays a major role in ensuring compliance with the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers and in promoting the responsible provision of security services.
Ambassador Corinne Cicéron Bühler, director of the Directorate of International Law of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Federal Council, and Mr Jamie A. Williamson, executive director of ICoCA, signed the agreement during a ceremony in Bern. The conclusion of this agreement, which was approved by the Federal Council on 3 July 2019, is based on the Host State Act. This agreement ensures ICoCA's independence.
ICoCA was founded in September 2013 as an association under Swiss law. It is an independent governance and oversight body with the aim of ensuring the implementation of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers. The Code of Conduct sets professional standards and principles based on human rights and international humanitarian law. It includes provisions on the appropriate use of force by these companies and the prohibition of acts such as torture, discrimination and human trafficking.
The Code of Conduct was established in 2010, based on a joint initiative by states (including Switzerland), private security companies, civil society organisations and the academic sector. Companies adhering to the Code of Conduct undertake to respect human rights and international humanitarian law when providing security services, in particular in places where the rule of law has been compromised. They also undertake to comply with all applicable laws, including local, regional and national law.
Switzerland attaches great value to the presence of ICoCA on its territory, particularly because of the long-standing Swiss commitment to ensuring that human rights and international humanitarian law are better respected by private military and security companies and by the states which engage the services of these companies.
Thanks to the conclusion of this agreement, the documents and information that members provide to ICoCA will be protected. This enables ICoCA to carry out its activities independently and without external pressure.
Address for enquiries
FDFA Communication
Federal Palace West Wing
CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
Twitter: @SwissMFA
Publisher
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html
