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Article

11 Nov 2010

Author:
Frank Jordans, Associated Press

Private security companies sign code of conduct

Major private security companies signed a code of conduct...pledging to respect human rights...The voluntary code developed by industry and governments was signed by 58 companies including Britain's G4S and U.S.-based DynCorp International and Xe Services _ formerly known as Blackwater Worldwide...The new code requires companies to ensure their employees "take all necessary steps to avoid the use of force" and forbids mistreatment of detainees, sexual exploitation and forced labor...Companies who fail to live up to the code may find themselves in breach of their commercial contracts...The British government will require all contractors it hires to sign the code, according to Foreign Office diplomat, David Hunt. Washington is considering whether to do the same, Koh said, but added that "we fully recognize it is not and cannot be a substitute for effective accountability under the law."