The Chairperson of the Fiji Human Rights Commission Dr. Shaista Shameem has been elected as the Chairperson of a United Nations Working group.

Dr. Shameem, who is also the ombudsman was elected to head the working group on the use of mercenaries, at a meeting in Geneva and will work with states, inter-governmental groups and NGO's on the elaboration of the new convention to regulate activities of private security and Military companies around the world.

The UN General Assembly has also asked the working group to monitor the activities of mercenaries around the world and how they impact on the enjoyment of human rights and self determination.

Dr. Shameem has said that she is honored to be elected as the Chair of the Expert Working group.