UN to probe mercenary role in Libyan conflict

The UN human rights body said on Friday that a panel of experts will travel to Libya next week to investigate the use of mercenaries in last year’s conflict. The group will hold talks with government officials, civil groups and private military and security companies from May 21 to 25. Mercenaries -- non-nationals who take part in conflicts for private gain -- reportedly backed Muammar Gaddafi in the revolution that led to the toppling of his four-decade dictatorship. “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,” said Faiza Patel, head of the UN working group on the mercenaries. The Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights said the visit was taking place at the invitation of the Libyan authorities. Last September, Patel said mercenaries had reportedly carried out serious rights violations in Libya, including summary killings and torture.