As more military and security tasks are “outsourced” to private firms, questions arise as to what rules govern their behaviour in conflict situations. ICRC legal adviser Cordula Droege comments on an initiative by the Swiss government to promote respect for international humanitarian law and propose some ways of dealing with the issue...[Droege says:] Because of the increased presence of private military/security companies (PMCs/PSCs) in countries experiencing armed conflict...the [Swiss] Department thought it would be useful to start a process of dialogue...concerning the legal rules that apply...A...useful outcome could be a document providing guidance to States in their relations with PMCs/PSCs. This might suggest steps...that they could take to enhance respect for IHL and human rights...Switzerland aims to bring the process to a conclusion by the end of 2008.