The conflicts in Ukraine and Africa are seeing more involvement by privately run military groups.
Mercenaries or soldiers for hire are illegal in many countries.
A United Nations convention against their use has been ratified by more than 40 countries.
But major military powers including the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom are not party to that agreement – and some have used them extensively.
Russia’s Wagner Corporation is engaged in intense fighting in eastern Ukraine.
Previously, security company Blackwater previously supported US forces during the war in Iraq in 2003.
Both organizations have been accused of human rights violations.
So, why do some countries increase the use of mercenaries? And who is responsible for their actions?
Indicator: Crazy Bah Thibault
Guest:
Sorcha MacLeod – Chair of the United Nations Working Group on the Use of Mercenaries.
Samuel Ramani – Associate at Royal United Services Institute and author of ‘Putin’s War on Ukraine’
Marieke De Hoon – Assistant professor of international criminal law at the University of Amsterdam and expert on the crime of aggression
