UNITED NATIONS MULLS USE OF MERCENARIES FOR INTERNATIONAL
INTERVENTIONS
UNITED NATIONS is assessing private
military and security companies and their commitment to international norms, an
envoy said from New York.
The UNITED NATIONS announced a panel
discussion on the use of mercenaries and private security companies is
scheduled in due course at U.N. headquarters.
Group director Anton Katz said the UNITED
NATIONS has an opportunity to influence the standards and behavior of the
private security industry in a way that puts it in line with international
human rights laws.Katz said the working group would assess a draft measure
which would provide an overview of U.N. policies on mercenaries and private
contractors.
“The UNITED NATIONS should serve as
a model for world governments and other organizations in its use of private
military and security companies,” he said in a statement Friday. “Without
proper standards and oversight, the outsourcing of security functions by the UNITED
NATIONS to private companies could have a negative effect on the effectiveness
and image of the UNITED NATIONS in the field.”
A working group on mercenaries
during meetings in 2011 found “considerable” evidence that LIBERIAN mercenaries
were involved in the post-election conflict in neighboring IVORY COAST. Foreign fighters in LIBYA were
reportedly used by the former regime of Moammar Gadhafi to repress peaceful
demonstrations against the government during the 2011 civil war.
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