Geneva, 18 May:
The United Nations is to send a fact-finding mission next week to investigate allegations of the use of mercenaries . . .[restrict]in last year’s conflict, and the measures taken by the Libyan government to address this phenomenon in its aftermath.
The mission will be the first ever to the country by independent experts designated by the UN Human Rights Council, who are coming at the invitation of the government.
In a statement, the head of the mission, Faiza Patel, said: “In addition to the question of mercenaries, we intend to obtain direct and first-hand information on the activities of private companies offering military assistance, consultancy and security services on the international market, the type of activities they undertake in Libya and their effect on the enjoyment of human rights”.
The team will be in Libya from 21-25 May, and will speak with Libyan authorities and representatives of civil society about the regulation of such companies, “with special regard to permits, licensing, vetting and accountability for human-rights violations”.
At the end of its four-day mission, the independent experts will hold a press conference to share their preliminary findings.
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