Law
Applying Human Rights Law to Private Military and Security Companies
Quick fact
Although traditionally human rights law only binds states, private military and security companies (PMSCs) can face direct obligations under international law, and states are increasingly held responsible for their actions under treaties like the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
Why this is interesting
When a state outsources war to a private company, who answers for the bloodshed? The law is scrambling to catch up, and the answer might surprise you—it’s not just the mercenary with the gun.