Private Security Companies Sign Code of Conduct

[unhappycamper]

Private Security Companies Sign Code of Conduct
Published November 09, 2010 | Associated Press

GENEVA -- Major private security companies signed a code of conduct Tuesday, pledging to respect human rights and the rule of law in conflict zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan, where some have been accused of abuses against the local population and reckless behavior.

The voluntary code developed by industry and government representatives was signed by 58 companies including Britain's G4S and U.S.-based DynCorp International and Xe Services -- formerly known as Blackwater Worldwide.

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Private security companies contracted by governments and non-governmental organizations have seen a boom in business over the past decades, particularly due to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, where they have been hired to guard individuals, installations and convoys.

~snip~

"There's a lot of money in this industry and this code is going to be vital to it," Clapham said.

His words were echoed by Nick Buckles, the head of G4S, which is the world's biggest private security company with has an annual revenue last year of $11 billion and 600,000 staff.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

1. I'm sure it's a wonderfully crafted document

but seems redundant.

There are already plenty of laws on the books, which suggest that torture and murder should be avoided whenever practicable. The laws seem to have little effect on the private security forces, so I wonder about the effect of a signature on a voluntary code.

It's good theater. They must be learning from BP's improved PR campaigns.

:hi: