Context

The use of Private Military and Security Actors (PMSAs) – including mercenaries, mercenary-related actors and private military and security companies – is rising. States and companies across industries such as mining, agriculture, forestry, and finance employ those actors to operate in conflict affected areas or fragile contexts where business activites remain under regulated.

PMSAs are often allegedly implicated in human rights and environmental violations. Some of those violations are so severe that they can qualify as international crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, torture, and enforced disappearance. In addition to potentially contributing to violations of international law, PMSAs activities might fuel conflicts, undermine peace efforts and destabilize already fragile regions.

Despite their devastating impact, PMSAs, as well as the actors that contract them, and profit from their services, continue to operate with impunity. Successful legal actions against them are rare and most victims remain vulnerable, and deprived from access to justice. Given the scale of this issue – both geographically and financially – and its life- threatening consequences for civilians, urgent action is needed to uphold the rule of law and advance accountability.

Our activities

TRIAL International launched the Accountability for Private Military and Security Actors Program in 2025 to tackle the widespread impunity for international crimes allegedly committed in the context of the provision of private military and security services. Our comprehensive approach focuses on strategic litigation, mutual sharing of expertise, and advocacy actions:

→ Through strategic litigation at the domestic, extraterritorial, and international levels, we explore all possible avenues for justice and reparation.

→ By working with local actors, we strenghten the reporting and documentation of violations in accordance with international standards.

→ We run targeted advocacy actions to push for stronger regulations and overcome legal and political barriers to accountability.

In close collaboration with civil society partners, we focus on regions where systemic violence and conflict make civilian populations especially vulnerable to PMSAs violations – and where victims have the least possibility to access justice and redress on their own. Thanks to the partnerships with actors on the ground, we are able to respond to concrete needs and advance the fight against impunity for international crimes.