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Humanitarianism and the Privatization of Security: Rationales, Challenges, and Prospects

Humanitarianism and the Privatization of Security: Rationales, Challenges, and Prospects. Dr. Christopher Spearin 4 May 2006. Outline. Sections How private security companies (PSCs) interact with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) Prospects of an independent humanitarian role for PSCs.

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Humanitarianism and the Privatization of Security: Rationales, Challenges, and Prospects

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  1. Humanitarianism and the Privatization of Security: Rationales, Challenges, and Prospects Dr. Christopher Spearin 4 May 2006

  2. Outline • Sections • How private security companies (PSCs) interact with non-governmental • organizations (NGOs) • 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

  3. 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

  4. 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 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

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

  6. Images taken from http://www.brownalumnimagazine.com/photos/minear.jpg; http://www.watsoninstitute.org/images_news/Antonio_Donini.jpg 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 Alibi Larry Minear Mobilizing Myth Antonio Donini

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