ENGLISH

IPOA members providing military services undertake their profession with a deep sense of responsibility. They are well aware of the immense potential of their services and strive to ensure their capabilities are not misused. The members believe that private firms are ultimately more accountable, transparent and candid about their motivations than similar military organizations operated by states. The companies strongly believe that relevant restrictions and controls are appropriate in the provision of these services in order that they be utilized for the greatest benefit of humanity.

Members of IPOA are pledged to the following principles in all their operations:

Human Rights

In all their operations, signatories will strictly adhere to all relevant international laws and protocols in regards to human rights. They will take every practicable measure to minimize loss of life. Signatories who are engaged in combat will follow all relevant international laws and protocols in the propagation of that conflict, and will seek a swift and beneficial conclusion.

Transparency

Signatories engaged in peace operations pledge to be open and forthcoming in terms of the nature of their operations and in terms of the corporate ties and connections that might in any way be perceived as influencing their current or potential operations. Signatories support the use of trained independent observers and neutral oversight of all their operations.

Accountability

Signatories support effective legal and financial accountability for their actions and the actions of company employees. Signatories pledge to support official investigations into allegations of contractual or human rights violations.

Clients

Signatories pledge to work only for legitimate governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. Signatories will refuse to engage clients that are actively thwarting international efforts towards peace.

Control

In undertaking peace operations, signatories pledge to adhere to the control of their client, to modify contractual obligations when appropriate, and to speedily withdraw from a conflict if so requested.

Ethics

Signatories pledge to go beyond the minimum legal requirements, and support additional ethical imperatives that are essential for effective peace operations:

Rules of Engagement

Signatories that may become involved in combat situations will have appropriate “Rule of Engagement” negotiated with their clients before deployment, and will work with their client to do any necessary modifications. All rules should emphasize restraint and caution to minimize casualties and damage.

Civil Society & Reconstruction

Signatories recognize that the services they provide are necessary for ending conflicts but not sufficient in themselves. Therefore, signatories pledge to work closely with groups and organizations specializing in reconciliation and reconstruction to bring conflicts to a permanent and just end.

Support of International Organizations and NGOs

Signatories pledge to support the work of other international organizations and non-governmental organizations working to mitigate or end conflicts. Increasingly chaotic conflicts have made such work increasingly difficult and hazardous. Where feasible, signatories will offer necessary security, aid, and even rescue and evacuation if required.

Arms Control

While signatories may be required to use military weapons for their activities, these weapons will only be obtained legally via regular international protocols. Signatories using weapons pledge to put the highest emphasis on removing all weapons and ammunition introduced by the members into an operation. Signatories pledge to work closely with legitimate international authorities in post-conflict disarmament and micro-disarmament operations removing small arms and landmines that have aggravated and helped to perpetuate conflicts. Signatories refuse to utilize illegal weapons, landmines, toxic chemicals or weapons that could create long-term health problems or complicate post-conflict cleanup.

Confidentiality

While signatories may have confidential contracts unrelated to international peace operations, they pledge to ensure that these contracts do not compromise their ethics. If appropriate, neutral, independent observers may be utilized to confirm that no conflict of interest issues exist.

Quality

Signatories pledge to utilize fully trained and prepared international personnel in all their operations. Local personnel will be vetted, properly trained and supervised.

Adopted: April 1, 2001