The ombudsman and the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission in Fiji has been elected the Chairperson of a United Nations expert working group.
Dr Shaista Shameem was elected to head the working group on the use of mercenaries at a meeting in Geneva.
Dr Shameem will work with states, inter-governmental groups and NGOs on the elaboration of the new convention to regulate the activities of private security and military companies around the world.
She will be representing the Asia Pacific region.
The UN General Assembly has also asked the Working Group to monitor the activities of traditional mercenaries around the world and how they impact on the enjoyment of human rights and self-determination.
Dr Shameem says she is honoured to be elected as the Chairperson of the Expert Working Group.
