Human rights violations by private military companies (Wagner Group)

by name voted on 25.11.2021

Summary

The European Parliament condemns human rights abuses by private military and security companies, specifically the Wagner Group, which acts as a proxy for the Russian state. It calls for international regulation and EU sanctions to ensure accountability.

9 25.11.2021

Other

justice

human rights

public safety

international relations

international agreement

Key points

The increasing reliance on private military and security companies in conflict areas worldwide is creating a significant accountability gap.
Documented gross human rights violations, including mass executions, torture, sexual violence, and arbitrary detentions, have been reported in the Central African Republic, Libya, and Syria.
The Wagner Group is identified as a proxy for the Russian state, utilizing legal loopholes in the Russian Criminal Code to avoid direct responsibility for its actions.
The European Union is called upon to utilize its Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime to target individuals and entities linked to these paramilitary groups.