DCAF is an international foundation established in 2000 on the initiative of the Swiss Confederation, as the 'Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces'. DCAF contributes to enhancing security sector governance through security sector reform. DCAF has a dedicated program on the Private Security Governance which has been instrumental in the development of the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (ICoC) and the Montreux Document on Pertinent International Legal Obligations and Good Practices for States related to Operations of Private Military and Security Companies during Armed Conflict. DCAF also monitors the existing laws and regulations applicable to PMSCs on an international, sub-regional, national and sub-national level, and engages with other organisations in other efforts to monitor and regulate these companies.

The United Nations Working Group on the Use of Mercenaries is partnering with the Sie Center, DCAF and other civil society organizations to study and identify trends   in national regulatory frameworks relevant to private military and security companies. The results of this comprehensive study and analysis of national legislation will be made publically available on the Private Security Monitor and will inform the report of the Working Group to the 25th session of the Human Rights Council in 2013.