Interesting change here. Also, ISOA has some exciting stuff coming up in the near future in regards to the Code of Conduct. But like the UN Global Compact, what will be the legal mechanisms or disciplinary mechanisms that will insure it has teeth and everyone abides by it? How does it interact with SOFAs, and the various constitutions and legal mechanisms throughout the world?
The proof of concept to me is what would happen to a contract guard or even employee of a company, if they committed a crime in a war zone of another country? How that code of conduct addresses this type of circumstance, as well as the other complex circumstances we have come up over the last nine or so years, is what I am interested in.
It is also important to address what the disciplinary measures will be when companies–both contracted and sub-contracted, do ‘bad things’ under that contract? These are the kinds of things that must be addressed if we want others to respect the effort. That respect could also translate into increased legitimacy and even increased business throughout the world, just because those who contract our services would know that there is such a process of control, legal accountability and regulation. –Matt
International Stability Operations Association: IPOA’s New Name
Oct. 25 , 2010
The association that represents the stability operations industry, formerly called IPOA, is now the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA). The new name and logo are designed to better reflect the broad industry that provides vital services and support to the international community in conflict, post-conflict and disaster relief operations.
“From the beginning, our goal has been to make international stability operations more successful by increasing accountability, ethics and standards within the industry,” said ISOA’s President, Doug Brooks. “For almost ten years we have grown as the ethical core of a unique and valuable international resource. Our new name reflects that evolution as an association and as an industry, and positions us for the future.”
ISOA’s Director, J.J. Messner, unveiled the organization’s new name and logo at the IPOA 2010 Annual Summit in Washington, D.C. last week. The change is the result of an association-wide vote and is designed to better represent the broad mission and clientele of the industry as a whole.
The announcement of the ISOA name is part of a progressive effort to ensure the support and participation of all key actors in the Stability Operations Industry, including private firms, non-governmental organizations, and governmental and commercial clients.
ISOA’s mission is to serve as a valued and trusted association representing ethical and professional organizations partnering in stability, support and development efforts worldwide. The Association develops and implements ethical standards that enhance the missions of clients and raise the quality of the larger industry. ISOA does advocacy for the interests and values of the membership using a proactive, unified industry voice, and engages in education and outreach regarding the industry and the capabilities of the association’s membership.
Link to press release here.
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International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers
This finalized Code is the result of an inclusive, transparent multi stakeholder initiative launched in June 2009 by industry associations, corporations and individual business leaders with the assistance of the Government of Switzerland and in consultation with the Governments of the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as other stakeholders and relevant experts.
The Code is an initial human rights statement by the private security industry, forming the basis for measurable standards for the private security industry. The Code also articulates a clear plan for the development of independent governance and oversight mechanisms – including the establishment of a multistakeholder steering committee to be established before the end of 2011.
The Swiss Government will host the signatory ceremony of the Code on November 9, 2010 in Geneva, to which representatives of industry, governments, civil society, and other stakeholders will be invited. Companies are welcome to sign the Code at that point.
Clients – whether governments, humanitarian organisations, private enterprises or international organisations – are invited to offer their support for the Code and to make statements about how the Code might serve their current contracting needs, including whether signature of the Code by service providers might become a precondition for future contracts.
Clients and civil society will continue to have critical roles in developing and implementing the Code and these roles will be reflected in the forthcoming implementation phase of the Code.
Link to source here.