The Private Military and Security Firms and Humanitarian Law: The Place and Responsibility

The increasing growth of private military and security firms and their presence and activities in armed conflicts scene has led to many problems especially in regard to the status of these firms and their personnel and the humanitarian laws and their responsibilities in case of breach of humanitarian laws and regulations. For determining the status of these firms and their personnel, one has to identify each case on its own and take into consideration the criteria of humanitarian international law. Whether they are considered as military personnel or the fall in the category of civilians? In regard the subject of responsibility, in case these firms breach the humanitarian rules, they will be responsible for their performances. But it also should be taken into consideration that besides these firms, the countries that are related to them and the personnel are their citizens and make use of their services and the country which these firms are active and working in their territories will also be responsible in regard to their operations.