Expert Roundtable: Private military companies: Consequences for peace?

Organized by: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI).

Private military companies (PMCs) are increasingly prominent in conflict zones worldwide. Their activities often blur the lines between traditional military operations and criminality, raising key questions about their impact on international peace and security.

The session is anchored in ongoing research by SIPRI and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI). The research seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the increasing role of PMCs in conflicts, their connections with criminal organizations, and their involvement in activities often linked with terrorism.

The expert panel will delve into how PMCs contribute to human rights abuses, war crimes and regional destabilization, addressing critical questions about their legality, ethics and oversight. The experts will explore actionable strategies and policy recommendations for more effectively regulating and monitoring PMCs, with the goal of mitigating their negative impacts on global peace and security. Participants will gain an understanding of the role of PMCs in shaping the future of global conflict, conflict management and peace operation efforts.