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nonprofit organization that monitors the United Nations published a report on Tuesday criticizing the UN’s growing use of private military and security companies.

The Global Policy Forum said the UN’s increasing use of these companies was “dangerous”, might increase rather than reduce threats and attacks on UN buildings and personnel, and suggested a system that was “unaccountable and out of control.”

According to the report, incomplete UN data shows a steady rise in the number of security contracts from 2006-2007, with the value increasing from US$44 million in 2009 to $76 million in 2010, the latest data available.

The majority of contracts in 2010 — $30 million worth — were for activities by the UN Development Program followed by $18.5 million for UN peacekeeping operations and $12.2 million for UN refugee activities, it said.

The report said the overall value of contracts was likely to be considerably higher because data from some UN bodies, like the UN children’s agency UNICEF, was not included or incomplete.

UN spokesman Martin Nesirky said the United Nations believed it was appropriate to use armed private security contractors if the organization ensures “due diligence” in its operations. “UN contracting policies have improved and we need to continue to improve them,” he said. “The distinct differences in the ways that private security contractors go about their work also must be borne in mind.”

Nesirky said the UN had been working on a system-wide policy for the use of armed private security companies and a draft policy was approved by security chiefs from all UN bodies at a meeting last month. It must still be approved by the UN system, he said.

The draft policy includes a process for assessing potential contractors and states that “such companies may only be used in circumstances where the provision of armed security by the host country, another member state, or United Nations resources are not possible or appropriate,” Nesirky said.

It also “emphasizes the need for strict protocols concerning the use of force,” outlines UN management and oversight responsibilities, and sets guidelines for UN personnel on when to use contractors, he said.

According to the report, “in the absence of guidelines and clear responsibility for security outsourcing, the UN has hired companies well-known for their misconduct, violence and financial irregularities — and hired them repeatedly.” — AP