Africa: Explanation of Vote On a Third Committee Resolution On the Use of Mercenaries

press release

Eric Merron

U.S. Adviser for the Third Committee

New York, New York

November 7, 2023

AS PREPARED

The United States condemns the grave threat that certain non-state armed groups continue to present to States' ability to promote and protect human rights and maintain order. However, we continue to draw a sharp contrast between destabilizing mercenary activities and the proper role that private military and security companies can play. The United States has consistently championed innovative and effective approaches to international frameworks and codes of conduct addressing the activities of private military and security companies. We accordingly believe that the UN Working Group on Mercenaries should best focus its attention solely on the issue of mercenaries in accordance with its mandate.

For these reasons the United States maintains today its long-standing position regarding this resolution. We will vote "no," and we encourage other delegations to do the same.

Thank you.

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.