UNICRI Informal Expert Group Meeting on the use Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP)

By

As a contributing expert and author of the 100 Series Rules for the Use of Force, David Hammond of the maritime practice attended the second meeting of the UNICRIled Expert Group meeting in Rome 14-16 October 2013 for the use of Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP) as employed by Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs) at sea.

Italian MFA LogoThe project to produce an international unified document for the employment of PCASP on board commercial ships as part of the protective measures as against piracy and armed robbery at sea was initiated by the Italian Government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier this year.

Legal and shipping experts from around the world met over two days to further revise the draft text for submission to the rule of law Working Group 2 of the Contact Group for Piracy off the Coast of Somalia.

The fundamental issue of human rights at sea and the application of human rights within business activities was a key consideration. David Hammond briefed the working group on the outline of the new Model Guiding Principles and Best Practice for the Application of Human Rights in the Maritime Industry” ©Copyright 2013 9BRi as part of the “Human Rights At Sea” initiative by 9 Bedford Row International Maritime Practice.

It is intended that the work will be submitted to the IMO and will become a leading international reference document relating to principals and guidance for the lawful use and employment of PCASP at sea.

 

  • Members CV
  • 9BRi Lobbying Forum
  • Expertise
  • Events & Calendar