In 1993 two committees called the Special Political Committee and the Decolonization Committee merged to form what we know as: The Special Political and Decolonization Committee (SPECPOL). This merge has opened up a road for the fourth committee to have a much broader view, resulting in this committee being one of the most versatile and globally relevant General Assembly committees. Now It covers a wide range of issues and primarily focuses on strong political and post-colonial dimensions, including decolonization, peacekeeping, special political missions, the dissemination of information, and peaceful uses of outer space. However, these policies only serve as recommendations for the international community though they carry significant weight, SPECPOL resolutions are nonbinding.
In recent years, growing evidence has shown that Private Military Companies (PMCs) are increasingly playing controversial roles in fragile regions like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Operating in legal grey areas, these companies worked in ways that undermined international peacebuilding efforts and the protection of human rights. Their presence has sparked serious debate, especially around issues of accountability and the very foundations of international law.
These developments highlight an urgent need for greater global transparency and stronger regulations. As PMCs continue to blur the lines between state and non-state actors, the importance of a clear and enforceable legal framework becomes even more evident to prevent these companies from being misused for political or economic gain.
We will closely examine the political and security impacts of PMCs in the MENA region and assess how these developments affect its mission to promote peace and stability.