Use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding
the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination
A/RES/72/158
Unity, inter alia, the Organization of African Unity Convention for the elimination of
mercenarism in Africa, 10 as well as by the African Union,
Reaffirming the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United
Nations concerning the strict observance of the principles of sovereign equality,
political independence, the territorial integrity of States, the self -determination of
peoples, the non-use of force or of the threat of use of force in international relations
and non-interference in affairs within the domestic jurisdiction of States,
Reaffirming also that, by virtue of the principle of self-determination, all
peoples have the right freely to determine their political status and to pursue their
economic, social and cultural development and that every State has the duty to respect
this right in accordance with the provisions of the Charter,
Reaffirming further the Declaration on Principles of International Law
concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperation among States in accordance with the
Charter of the United Nations, 11
Acknowledging with appreciation the work and contributions of the open-ended
intergovernmental working group established by the Human Rights Council with the
mandate of considering the possibility of elaborating an international regulatory
framework, including the option of elaborating a legally binding instrument on the
regulation, monitoring and oversight of the activities of private military and security
companies,
Alarmed and concerned at the danger that the activities of mercenaries
constitute to peace and security in developing countries in various parts of the world,
in particular in areas of armed conflict, and about the threat they pose to the integrity
of and respect for the constitutional order of the affected countries,
Deeply concerned at the loss of life, the substantial damage to property and the
negative effects on the policies and economies of affected countries resulting from
international criminal mercenary activities,
Convinced that, notwithstanding the way in which mercenaries or mercenaryrelated activities are used or the form that they take to acquire some semblance of
legitimacy, they are a threat to peace, security and the self-determination of peoples
and an obstacle to the enjoyment of all human rights by peoples,
1.
Takes note with appreciation of the latest report of the Working Group of
the Human Rights Council on the use of mercenaries as a means of violating human
rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self -determination; 12
2.
Reaffirms that the use of mercenaries and their recruitme nt, financing,
protection and training are causes for grave concern to all States and that they violate
the purposes and principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations;
3.
Recognizes that armed conflict, terrorism, arms trafficking and covert
operations by third Powers encourage, inter alia, the demand for mercenaries on the
global market;
4.
Urges, once again, all States to take the steps necessary and to exercise the
utmost vigilance against the menace posed by the activities of mercenaries a nd to take
legislative measures to ensure that their territories and other territories under their
control are not used for, and that their nationals do not take part in, the recruitment,
assembly, financing, training, protection or transit of mercenaries for the planning of
__________________
10
11
12
2/4
United Nations, Treaty Series, vol. 1490, No. 25573.
Resolution 2625 (XXV), annex.
A/72/286.
17-22965