This SSR Backgrounder discusses Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs) as actors of the security sector.

It shows that good Security Sector Governance (SSGR) is relevant to the governance of PMSCs, which also must abide to the same high standards of security provision as the public sector. PMSCs must be subject to all major international and regional SSG/R frameworks.

This Backgrounder outlines core international norms and good practices that already contribute to the good governance of PMCSs, highlighting policy tools, designed to offer practical guidance for states in addressing these challenges.

Finally, it proposes a holistic approach to Security Sector Reform in the field of PMSCs to ensure that legal, political, and policy frameworks reflect good governance of PMSCs that make them more effective and accountable, both at the organizational and operational levels. Several recommendations are advanced to achieve the application of the core principles of good governance. 

As actors of the security sector, Private Military and Security Companies must abide to the same high standards of good Security Sector Governance as the public sector.