ISO-SEC Switzerland
| File:ISO-SEC LOGO.jpg | |
| Formation | September 22, 2017 |
|---|---|
| Type | Created by a Non-governmental organization, the International Security Organization - ISO KLG. |
| Purpose | ISO-SEC is an international protocol for the private security industry that fosters transparency and neutrality and supports gender equality and human rights. Sharing the positive outcome of every Security Licensing Authority and informing the security operatives about the applicable laws worldwide. |
| Headquarters | Im Holland 5, 5323 Rietheim, Switzerland |
Founder & Protocol's Lead Researcher | Dr. Nikolaos Fokianos |
| Website | https://www.iso-sec.com |
ISO-SEC Protocol
ISO-SEC Protocol is a private security industry standard, developed by the Swiss-based International Security Organization (ISO KLG). It provides operational guidelines and compliance frameworks for private security service providers, with particular emphasis on international humanitarian law and human rights principles [7], [8] [9], [10].
History of the ISO-SEC Protocol
Founding and Early Development (2017-2018)
The ISO-SEC Protocol was developed by the International Security Organization (ISO KLG), a Swiss private education provider registered in Rietheim, Switzerland (UID CHE-214.513.733) [7], [8] [9], [10]. The framework was created to address gaps in international standards for private security operations, particularly regarding:
- Human rights compliance in conflict zones
- Legal distinctions between security work and mercenary activities
- Gender equality in security forces
First Official Certification (2019)
The protocol gained its first governmental adoption when:
- March 2019: The Municipal Authority of Ribeira Grande (Azores, Portugal) completed ISO-SEC emergency management training
- April 2019: Ribeira Grande became the first municipality worldwide to receive ISO-SEC certification for its civil protection services
- October 2019: Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service of the Azores[1], received ISO-SEC course in Emergency Management, according FEMA protocols.
This implementation was documented by Portugal's Association of Municipalities of São Miguel (AMISM)[2] and local media.
Expansion and Recognition (2020-Present)
Key developments of major organizations, included in ISO-SEC's updates:
- 2020: Alignment with revised Swiss Federal Act on Private Security Services (PSSA)
- 2021: Protocol updates incorporating ICRC guidelines on use of force[3]
Current Status
As of 2024, the protocol remains a voluntary certification used primarily by:
- Private security firms & Security Operatives
- Municipal emergency services
- Organizations who hired directly security staff, and they want their security staff to operate under local and international laws and regulations.
- In 2025, the protocol underwent field testing with further education companies operating in Africa.
Development
The International Security Organization - ISO KLG (which is the creator of the protocol) was established in 2017 (UID CHE-214.513.733), as a Swiss-registered education provider, specializing in security training.[3] Its first major implementation occurred in 2019 when the Municipal Authority of Ribeira Grande in Portugal's Azores archipelago adopted ISO-SEC certification for emergency management training.[4] Since 2020 its application extended in Africa, introducing it to security operatives.
Standards Framework
The ISO-SEC Protocol organizes its standards across three key domains:
1. Legal Compliance
- Alignment with the Swiss Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad (PSSA), including:[5]
- Humanitarian law obligations (Art. 4)
- Data protection requirements (Art. 7)
- Prohibitions on mercenary activities (Art. 3)
- Incorporation of Geneva Conventions principles regarding:
- Use of force
- Treatment of persons in custody
- Conflict zone operations
2. Operational Guidelines
- Gender equality in hiring and field operations
- Use-of-force continuum based on ICRC recommendations[6]
- Transparency protocols for client reporting
3. Industry Delimitation
The standard explicitly distinguishes private security services from:
- Paramilitary operations
- Mercenary activities
- Other services prohibited under PSSA Art. 3
Certification and Adoption
ISO-SEC offers certification for:
- Security Training Centers / Further Education Providers / Higher Education Institutes
- Professors / Facilitators / Educators / Trainers
- Private security companies
- Private security operatives
- Security and safety audits
- Governmental Organizations & Governmental Facilities.
- Emergency & crisis management municipal authorities
Notable adopters include:
- Ribeira Grande Municipal Authority (2019, first certified entity)[4]
References
- ↑ "High Degree em Gestão de Emergência para elementos do SRPCBA na Terceira". SRPCBA (in português). Retrieved 2025-03-26.
- ↑ "Ribeira Grande acolhe formação em Gestão de Emergência | Amism". www.amism.pt. Retrieved 2025-03-26.
- ↑ Engaging with Private Military & Security Companies: A Toolkit for Humanitarian Organizations (Report). International Committee of the Red Cross. 2021. p. 47. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- "About ISO-SEC". International Security Organization. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- "Federal Act on Private Security Services Provided Abroad". Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- "International Security Organization - ISO KLG". Moneyhouse. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- "Ribeira Grande recebe certificado em gestão de emergência". Açoriano Oriental. 29 April 2019.
- "PSSA Implementation Guidelines" (PDF). Swiss FDFA. 2018. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
- ICRC Use of Force Guidelines (Report). International Committee of the Red Cross. 2018.
- https://www.moneyhouse.ch/de/company/international-security-organization-iso-21451373341 Moneyhouse.ch. Retrieved 25 March 2025
- https://zefix.ch/de/search/entity/list/firm/1320181 Zentraler Firmenindex Zefix.ch. Retrieved 25 March 2025
- https://www.shab.ch/#!/search/publications/detail/acae2228-2431-439a-8252-dd422cf83050 Mutation International Security Organization - ISO KLG, Rietheim, neu Zurzach (Tagesregister-Nr. 2480 vom 09.02.2022). The Municipality of Rietheim, mutated and since 09.02.2022 instead Rietheim, is appointed the municipality of Zurzach. Retrieved 25 March 2025
- https://ag.chregister.ch/cr-portal/auszug/auszug.xhtml?uid=CHE-373.690.873 Commercial Register. Retrieved 25 March 2025
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