Human Rights Policies, Guidelines, and Standards in The Private Security Industry: A Scoping Review

Abstract

The large numbers of private security personnel in the 21st century has increased the risk of human rights violations. This study explores what standards exist in the private security industry to promote and uphold human rights. Using a scoping review methodology, the findings show that broad collaborative voluntary efforts have been undertaken by the private security industry to address human rights issues. Those specific standards used by the industry also create a layered effort at regulation that extends beyond “hard law” government enforcement, and instead rely upon “soft law” approaches to raise awareness, and adherence, to human rights standards.