ADM HR-Mil

Humanitarianism and the Privatization of Security:

Rationales, Challenges, and Prospects

Dr. Christopher Spearin

4 May 2006

Canadian Forces CollegeCanadian Forces CollegeADM HR-Mil

Outline

Sections1) How private security companies (PSCs) interact with non-governmental

organizations (NGOs)2) Prospects of an independent humanitarian role for PSCs

Rationale for relationship► Rise of non-state actors

- “NGOization” of politics- development of the private security industry

► NGO security needs- caught in crossfire- subject to direct attack for political and economic reasons

► PSC desire for remuneration and international legitimacy

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Challenges in the NGO-PSC Relationship - I

• Some NGOs prefer to follow the humanitarian ethic or the acceptance strategy to ensure security

• Challenges in learning about the PSC-NGO relationship• Uncomfortable talking about armed actors

• Worried about offering legitimacy

• Fearful of donor wrath

• Do not want to bring internal divides into the open

• Difficulties in a collective NGO response to PSCs

• PSCs protecting client confidentiality

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Challenges in the NGO-PSC Relationship - II

• Culture clash between NGO and PSC personnel

• Will likely still impact upon local conflict dynamics• Reliance on indigenous expertise for financial reasons• Fuel conflict dynamics• Draw individuals away from indigenous security sector

institutions

• Linkages to other clients• Foreign and indigenous clients (state and non-state)• PSCs desire an economy of scale, perhaps to the

detriment of NGO activities

Peter Singer

Images taken from http://www.moles.org/ProjectUnderground/pix/eologo.gif; http://www.brookings.edu/rios/data/sources/portrait/474894142b16ff3b6ed6fde10a141465.jpg; http://www.help-for-you.com/news/May2002/May15/ap_somalia_factional_fighter_150.jpg

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Challenges in the NGO-PSC Relationship - III

• NGO developing, but often minimal, expertise in private security matters

• Lack of knowledge as to how a firm operates

• Lack of knowledge about capabilities, past operations, characteristics of PSC personnel

• Difficulties in developing a pan-NGO approach or databank of lessons learned

• Minimal support from the United Nations

– Schizophrenic approach (emphasis on soldiers of fortune)

– OCHA guidelines

Images taken from http://www.hatsofflynden.com/images/Flags%20Of%20The%20World/United%20Nations.JPG; http://www.cyberie.qc.ca/images/denard4.jpg

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A “Humanitarian” Space for PSCs?

• Shift from avoidance/containment strategies to peace consolidation strategies involving state and non-state actors

• Difficult for some NGOs

• Continued/increasing violence against NGOs• Pullouts• Targeted because viewed as part of the foreign presence

Humanitarian AlibiLarry Minear

Mobilizing MythAntonio Donini

Images taken from http://www.brownalumnimagazine.com/photos/minear.jpg; http://www.watsoninstitute.org/images_news/Antonio_Donini.jpg

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