UN experts warn of resurgence of mercenaries

A group of UN experts is warning of an alarming resurgence in the use of mercenaries around the world.

The group also says there has been a major expansion in military and security companies operating without regulation or accountability for human rights violations.

The five-member Working Group on the use of mercenaries said in a report to the UN General Assembly that mercenary forces in Libya and Ivory Coast were reportedly involved in committing serious human rights violations as were some contractors for military and security companies working in Iraq and elsewhere.

Faiza Patel, who heads the Working Group, told a news conference yesterday that states should cooperate to eliminate the use of mercenaries and regulate the activities of military and security companies.